Nicosia Municipality’S Original Guide FEBRUARY 2013 Nicosia This Month

The Nicosia Municipality’s Original Guide FEBRUARY 2013 nicosia this month

LEVENTIS MUSEUM 1-24 February “Nicosia my City – a European City”

Nicosia this Month

Message from the Mayor

Dear Reader, Welcome to our capital, It is always a pleasure to greet our residents and to welcome our visitors. Nicosia this month, our monthly magazine will help you discover what our capital has to offer. Your visit to our city should start from its historic centre. The impressive Venetian walls that surround the Old Town and our historic centre are naturally the most prominent sights that a visitor should visit. Within these walls you will find traces of the island’s past, Byzantine chapels and churches next to neo-classical architecture thematic museums next to art galleries and various music stages that feature young as well as established talents. Small boutiques showcase the work of local designers, artisans work diligently in their workshops, farmers markets tempt you with fresh produce and local delights. And when you’re ready for a break, traditional coffee shops and tavernas are around the corner. Leave the Old Town and you will enter into the cosmopolitan world of a European capital. High street shopping at Makarios Avenue, trendy cafés and the sophistication of the contemporary corporate environment. Sadly, Nicosia and its historical centre are divided with the so called Green- Line. Our city is still the last divided capital of Europe and the continued division of Nicosia casts a shadow over our capital. Nevertheless as citizens of a proud city we look toward the future and the development of our capital. Our efforts to achieve reunification is one of our main targets for the benefit of all our citizens and for our country. Dear visitor, whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, we hope you will experience and enjoy the hospitality and diversity of Nicosia! Enjoy your stay in our beautiful city !

Constantinos Yiorkadjis Mayor of Nicosia

CONTENTS

Nicosia ...... 3 Where to Go ...... 6 Useful Information ...... 12 Shopping in Nicosia ...... 13 Walks...... 14 The Walls ...... 15 Excursions by car...... 16 MONTHLY TOURIST Nicosia Municipality Cultural Events...... 18 & SHOPPING GUIDE PUBLISHED BY THE NICOSIA Cover photo: Romos Kotsonis MUNICIPALITY SINCE 1983 3 Nicosia

Nicosia emerged from the sea 1,8 – 5 million years ago. During the first millennium BC, Nicosia enjoyed neither the power nor the prosperity of other City-Kingdoms, most of which lay on the coastline. The first traces of its current name appeared in the 3rd century BC, when Lefcus, the son of Ptolemy rebuilt Ledra, renaming it Lefkothea (“white goddess”). Built as a fortress, it has weathered a long list of conquerors. Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians, Romans, Arabs, the Templars, the Frankish Lusignan dynasty, Venetians and Ottomans all held sway over Cyprus before British colonial rule in the 19th century. All, and to varying degrees, have left their mark on the city. The most significant influences on modern Nicosia date from the 15th and 16th centuries. Under the Lusignans, the capital saw the construction of a number of palaces, mansions, churches and monasteries. The first Lusignan castle was built during the reign of King Henry I, in 1211 and later Peter II fortified the entire city. The Venetians ruled the island from 1489 –1571 with Nicosia as the seat of the Venetian Governor. Faced with the threat of an Ottoman invasion, the Venetians decided to withdraw from the Lusignan military fortifications and created a defensive line around the city. The buildings standing outside this line, including most of the inheritance from the Lusignan period, were torn down and the stones were used for the new defensive wall. Julio Savorgnano, a Venetian architect and engineer, designed the new walls of Nicosia which are considered as the prototype of the renaissance military architecture. Impressive as Nicosia’s defenses were, however, they were unable to keep out the Ottomans. After a siege of seven weeks Mustafa Pasha entered the city on September 9, 1570 and a period of Ottoman rule followed lasting until the arrival of the British in 1878. After a liberation struggle in 1955-59, Cyprus gained its independence in 1960 and Nicosia officially became capital of the Republic of Cyprus. Since then Nicosia has grown into a bustling cosmopolitan European city yet it remains compact enough to be explored on foot. Since the Turkish invasion of 1974, Nicosia has been a divided capital, with the Buffer Zone patrolled by UN troops, the infamous “Green Line”, disrupting its cohesion and continuity.

4 Nicosia this Month

5 WHERE TO GO

The Old City of Nicosia is surrounded by a complete star- MUSEUMS shape of walls (referred to as ‘The Walls’) built by the Venetians in 1567 in their effort to fortify the city against a threatened Ottoman invasion. The Walls have eleven heart-shaped bastions and three gates. Famagusta Gate or Porta Julia, the biggest and most elaborate of the three is since 1982 the Cultural Centre of the Mu- nicipality of Nicosia. The other two gates are The Paphos Gate at the West situated by the Green Line and Kerynia Gate to the North, today in the occupied area of the city. The Nicosia Town Hall (15, K. Papaeologou Avenue, Tel: 22797000) is built on one of the bastions, the Bastion Davila, overlooking Eleftheria Square. THE CYPRUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Recent excavations on the bastion of Podocataro have 1, Museum Str, Tel: 22865864 revealed the remains of the siege of the city by the Turks The Cyprus Museum is the main museum presenting the in 1570. Mud brick embrasures, parts of armoury and civilization of the island from its very beginnings, in the weapons as well as two skeletons, decapitated by the 9th Millennium B.C. to the early Byzantine period. Exhib- Ottomans, verify the descriptions of contemporary writ- its range from the Pre-Pottery and Neolithic period com- ers describing the fall of Nicosia. The Old City is fasci- prising tools of stone or bone, idols and vessels of stone, nating to stroll through for shopping or for dining with to the pottery of the ceramic Neolithic and the elaborate, its narrow streets, small shops, carved balconies, inner richly decorated pottery of the later periods, sculpture of yards, churches, mosques, and Byzantine arches. stone or clay, bronze weapons, tools, figurines and orna- ments, the coinage of the island as well as the jewelry CHRYSALINIOTISSA AREA and works of art in media such as glass, alabaster and Near the Famagusta Gate, the quarter takes its name ivory. Funerary architecture and funerary customs are from the oldest Byzantine church in Nicosia, dedicated to also presented while a special room is devoted to the “Our Lady of the Golden Flax”. Built in 1463 by the Greek- scripts of the island, from its earliest form, the Cypro- origin Lusignan Queen Eleni Paleologina. Following the Minoan, to the use of the Greek alphabet. signs near the church you will find the Chrysaliniotissa Opening hours: Monday:Closed, Tuesday, Crafts Centre. Numerous taverns and bars are also to Thursday & Friday: 08:00-16:00, be found near this area. Wednesday 08:00-17:00, Saturday: 09:00-16:00 Sunday 10:00-13:00 ARCHBISHOP KYPRIANOS SQUARE The square in front of the Archbishopric, where monu- MAKARIOS III CULTURAL FOUNDATION ments and buildings of historical and religious interest Within the Archbishopric, Arch. Kyprianos Square, abound, including the Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus, Tel: 22430008 the National Struggle Museum and Agios Ioannis Cathe- Comprising of: dral as well as The Pancyprian Gymnasium Museum. THE BYZANTINE MUSEUM LAIKI YITONIA (FOLK NEIGHBOURHOOD) Houses the largest collection of icons in Cyprus with 220 Restored pedestrian area within the walled city, East of pieces covering several periods from 5th to the 19th cen- Eleftheria Square. Charming winding alleys with tradi- tury. Among the master-pieces are: the icons of “Christ tional houses and shops, restaurants, galleries, all lov- and the Virgin Mary” (12th century) from the Church of the ingly restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban archi- Virgin Mary of Aracas at Laghoudera, and “The Resur- tecture of a bygone, more graceful age. rection” (13th century) from the Church of St. John Lam-

6 Nicosia this Month

badistis Monastery at Kalopanayiotis. There are also six in his poem “Little Things of Cyprus”, which he dedicated pieces of Kanakaria Mosaics. to his friend the painter and first Director of the Cyprus THE EUROPEAN ART GALLERY Folk Art Museum, Adamantios Diamantis. Houses 120 oil paintings of various European Schools Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9:30-16:00 of Art from the 16th until the 19th century, with mainly and Saturday 9:00-13:00 religious themes, among others by Van Dyck, Rubens, Contact: Tel: 22432578, Fax 22343439, Tintoretto, Lorrain and Delacroix. Email: [email protected] THE GREEK INDEPENDENCE WAR GALLERY CYPRUS POSTAL MUSEUM Houses maps, copper engravings and paintings featur- (Department of Postal Services) ing persons and events from the Greek Independence 3B Agiou Savva Str, Tel: 22304711 War, as well as paintings by Greek artists with subjects derived from Greek mythology. Collection of Cyprus stamps from 1800 onwards. With Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-16:30 numerous awards Cyprus stamps are considered Saturday 9:00am-13:00 among the best in world philately. The museum hosts also memorabilia such as scales, old letter boxes, ap- CYPRUS CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM proximately 400 seals and other historical items. 44, Granikou Str (in the old city), Tel: 99543215 www.agrino.org/motormuseum LEDRA MUSEUM – OBSERVATORY Corner Ledras and Arsinoes Str, Tel: 22128157 One of the largest collections in the world, presenting 150 unique classical motorcycles. Among them BSAs from A specially designed and equipped museum-observatory 1927, AJS from 1938, Matchless from 1939, Triumph from on the top of Shacolas Tower where you can get the best 1946 and an MV Agusta. Enthusiasts will be able to enjoy views of the old and modern city. Use the telescope to see a journey through classic motorcycle history. various monuments and churches throughout the city and Opening hours: Daily 9:00am-13:00, 15:00-19:00 learn about their history. In the heart of the old city of Nicosia. Saturday 9:00-14:00 Opening hours: May-September: Monday-Sunday 10.00-20.00pm, October-April: Monday-Saturday 9:30-17:00

THE GEORGE & NEFELI GIABRA PIERIDES ARCHEAOLOGICAL MUSEUM 86-88-90 Phaneromenis Str, Tel: 22128157 The mezzanine floor of the refurbished building of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, at Phaneromeni in Old Nicosia, houses the Museum of the George and CYPRUS FOLK ART MUSEUM Nefeli Giabra Pierides Collection (donated by Clio and The main Folk Art Museum in Cyprus, is housed in the Solon Triantafyllides). The Collection, which includes Old Archbishopric at Archbishop Kyprianos Square. A over 600 items, has been described by experts as one historic building dating back to the 15th century with later of the richest in the world in Mycenaean pottery. It additions. Presents masterpieces of weaving embroidery, includes representative samples of pottery from the lace, costumes, pottery, metalwork, basketry, folk paint- Geometric, Archaic, Roman and Medieval periods, ing, leatherwork and woodcarving. What is also remark- terracotta figurines, an important collection of stone able is the 19th century door of Saint Mamas church that sculptures and seals, jewelry and bronze objects. the Nobel prize-winning poet Georgios Seferis mentions Opening hours: Daily 10:00-19:00

7 WHERE TO GO

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF CYPRIOT COINAGE 86-88-90 Phaneromenis Str, Tel: 22128157 The history of Cyprus from the time coins were first minted, 2600 years ago to the present is brought to life by more than 500 coins arranged into nine historical periods exhibited in twenty-three display cases. The presentation begins with coinage from the Cyprus City Kingdoms (6th-4th centuries B.C.) and ends with the Republic of Cyprus (1960). Opening hours: Daily 10:00-19:00

MUSEUMS OF THE PANCYPRIAN GYMNASIUM THE LEVENTIS MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF NICOSIA Agiou Ioannou and Thiseos Streets, Old Nicosia EUROPEAN MUSEUM OF THE YEAR AWARD, 1991 The Museums of The Pancyprian Gymnasium are open to 17 Hippocrates Str (Laiki Yitonia), visitors of all ages and interests. Tel: 22661475, 22671997 Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday The city’s award winning historical museum hosts the 09:00 – 15:30 history of Nicosia from its origins around 4.000 B.C. up Wednesday 09:00am – 17:00 Saturday 09:00 – 13:00 until today. The Museum is named after its benefactor Tel: 22466014, E-Mail: [email protected] the Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation. all the exhibits Free Entrance were collected after the establishment of the Museum in 1984. Periodical exhibitions, special educational pro- THE NATIONAL STRUGGLE (EOKA) MUSEUM grams and many other events are held regularly in the Arch. Kyprianos Square, Tel: 22305878 Museum. The Association of The Friends of The Museum The Museum is located in the square near the Archbish- runs “The Shop” selling books, replicas and other gifts. opric. The museum displays documents, photographic Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-16:30 material, personal belongings of the heroes and other memorabilia related to the struggle against British Rule. THE LOUKIA AND MICHAEL ZAMPELAS ART MUSEUM Publications available at the museum include “A Brief 27 Arch. Makarios III Avenue (Pentadromos), History of the liberation struggle of EOKA (1955-1959)” by Kaimakli, tel: 22456098 Andreas Varnavas, Nicosia 2000, 100 pages. The same The new Αrt Μuseum aspires to play a pivotal role in the publication is also available in Spanish. cultural and social happenings of the city. Apart from its Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-14:00, Thursday permanent collection of works by Cypriot artists, the Gal- 15:30-17:30 lery hosts temporary exhibitions by Cypriot and foreign (no afternoons in July & August) artists. The Museum aims to highlight the works of all Cypriot artists and organise events promoting arts and THE HOUSE OF HADJIGEORGAKIS KORNESIOS – culture. It also offers original educational programmes ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM for families and students of all ages. Located in one of 20 Patriarchou Grigoriou, Tel: 22305316 Nicosia’s oldest suburbs, the Museum is an oasis of culture, and an educational as well as recreational destina- A most imposing example of traditional urban architec- tion for young and old. ture of the 18th century. It was the residence of Hadjigeor- Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10:00-13:00, 16:00-20:00 gakis, the Dragoman to the Ottoman Port. The successful Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-16:00 restoration won the 1988 Europa Nostra Award. Monday: Closed. Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:30-15:30

8 Nicosia this Month

9 WHERE TO GO

CULTURAL CENTRES Once known as “Porta Guliana” in honour of the architect of the city-wall project, it was the strongest & ART GALLERIES and most elaborate, but also the lowest of the three BANK OF CYPRUS CULTURAL FOUNDATION gates. The unique feature of this structure was re- 86-88-90, Phaneromenis Str, stored by the Municipality of Nicosia, as a Cultural Tel: 22128157, www.boccf.org Centre, and was awarded the prestigious “Europa Nostra” medal by the International Federation of As- The Cultural Foundation is permanently housed in sociations for the Protection of European Culture and the old administrative headquarters of the Bank of Natural Heritage. The Centre hosts exhibitions, con- Cyprus, near the Phaneromeni Church, in the old ferences, lectures, music events, dance and theatre town of Nicosia, within the Venetian walls. It houses performances. the Museum of the George and Nefeli Giabra Pierides Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-13:00 - 16:00-19:00 Collection (donated by Clio and Solon Triantafyllides), the Agora (the Foundation’s shop) and the Cultural THE LAIKI BANK CULTURAL CENTRE Foundation’s lecture hall. In the courtyard of the building, there is an open air theatre where musical and BYRON AVENUE MUSEUM theatrical performances are staged. 32 Byron Avenue, Tel.: 22718605, Opening hours: Daily 10:00-19:00 Email: [email protected] The exhibition “Beyond dress codes” presents 140 CHRYSALINIOTISSA MULTICRAFT CENTRE original designs by illustrator Gisis Papageorgiou, 2, Demonaktos Str, Tel: 22347465 with the theme of traditional attire in the Greek and The Centre is located in a particularly attractive area of Cypriot area, as well as 40 original creations by mod- traditional character – in the walled city. Eight work- ern acclaimed fashion designers: Jean Paul Gaultier, shops and a coffee shop are placed around a central John Galliano, Sophia Kokosalaki, Angelos Bratis, courtyard in a building which follows the design of a Dimitris Dassios, Yiorgos Eleftheriades, Parthenis, traditional Inn. Atelier Loukia, MiRo, Mastory/Motwary, Ioannis Guia, Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-13:00, 15:00-18:00 Thanos Kyriakides, Deux Hommes, also including creations by 20 Cypriot fashion designers. CYPRUS HANDICRAFT CENTRE Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00-13:00 & 16:00- 186, Athalassa Avenue,Tel: 22305024 20:00 and Saturday: 10:00-14:00 The Cyprus Handicraft Centre on Athalassa Avenue (at the entrance of the new part of the city) provides items of THE MUNICIPAL ARTS CENTER all kinds of traditional handicrafts. An excellent opportu- Associated with the Pierides Museum nity not only to buy Cypriot handicrafts, but also to watch of Contemporary Art the traditional skills and techniques of the artisans. 19, Apostolou Varnava Str. Tel: 22797400 Opening hours: The old Power House has been transformed into Cy- Summer (15/6-15/9): Monday-Friday 7:30-14:00, 17:00-19:30, prus’ most avantgarde centre for contemporary art. It Wednesday 7:30-14:00, Saturday 8:00-13:00 Winter: Monday-Friday 7:30-17:30, Wednesday 7:30-14:00, hosts prestigious exhibitions from home and abroad. It Saturday 8:00-13:00 houses an Art Library, a restaurant, a coffee shop and a gift shop selling books, posters, replicas, souvenirs, FAMAGUSTA GATE crafts and artworks. THE MUNICIPAL CULTURAL CENTRE Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10.00-3.00, 17.00-23.00 Athinon Avenue, Tel: 22430877 Sunday 10.00-16.00

10 Nicosia this Month

11 USEFUL INFORMATION

Airports LARNAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ...... 77778833 (49km from Nicosia) PAPHOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT...... 77778833 (146km from Nicosia) Ports LIMASSOL ...... 25819200 LARNAKA ...... 24815225 Emergencies PAPHOS ...... 26946840 POLICE/FIRE BRIGADE/FIRST AID/AMBULANCE ...... 112 FOREST FIRE REPORTS ...... 1407 Public Transport 77 77 77 55 The bus terminal is at Solomos Square, in the centre of Services the city. Buses run to all destinations in the city and the GENERAL HOSPITAL ...... 22603000 suburbs from 5.30 to 18.15, every half an hour. They are MAKARIOS HOSPITAL ...... 22405000 more frequent at peak hours (7.15 last itinerary). APOLLONIO PRIVATE HOSPITAL LTD ...... 22469000 There are also the Yellow Buses of Nicosia Municipality EVANGELISTRIA MEDICAL CENTRE ...... 22410100 with regular itineraries in the centre of the city. Starting ARETAIEION HOSPITAL ...... 22200300 point: Solomos Square. The service is free. ADVISORY BUREAU ON AIDS ...... 22305155 SUPPORT AGAINST DRUGS ABUSE ...... 1410 OVERNIGHT PHARMACIES ...... 90901412 DOCTORS ON CALL ...... 90901432 POLICE ...... 22802020/1460 ELECTRICITY FAULTS ...... 1800

Useful Telephones CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANIZATION-CTO Head Office: 19, Limassol Avenue ...... 22691100 TOURIST INFORMATION, Laiki Yitonia ...... 22674264 NICOSIA MUNICIPALITY, Eleftheria Square...... 22797000 IMMIGRATION OFFICE, Government-Complex Bldg ...... 22305458 Country bus services CYPRUS BROADCASTING CORPORATION, Timed to bring rural residents and their produce to the Aglandjia...... 22422231 market early in the morning returning about midday when business is done. Telephone Services Intercity Service Taxi operate regularly and frequently NATIONAL DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES ...... 11892 (every half an hour) between the main towns. The first INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES taxi leaves at 6.00 and the last at 18.00 (Sat. & Sun. at (country codes, trunk codes, rates) ...... 11894 7.00 until 17.00). The last taxi leaves at 6.00. Seats may be INTERNATIONAL CALLS (through operator)..... 80000198 booked in advance. Taxis run on time, pick you up at your hotel or private address, and take you to your destination, EXACT TIME...... English 1893 / Greek 1895 along with other passengers. TELEGRAMS BY PHONE ...... 80000196 FAULTS REPORT...... 80000197 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: CUSTOMER CARE CALL CENTRE ...... 132 TRAVEL EXPRESS ...... 22767600, 77777474

12 Nicosia this Month

Shopping in Nicosia Intercity Buses The main shopping areas in Nicosia are Arch. Maka- NICOSIA-LARNAKA AIRPORT rios Avenue, parallel to it Stasikratous Street, and the Buses leave regularly from the old Filoxenia Hotel and area around the Ledra Street in the old city, including International Conference Centre. the well know Laiki Yitonia (Folk Neighbourhood). In For information please Tel: 77771477 or 24643017. addition to shopping for handicrafts, embroidery, pot- NICOSIA-LIMASSOL tery and other local made items, visitors to Nicosia NICOSIA (from Solomos Square) might like to take advantage of the capital’s modern LIMASSOL (from Municipality Market Parking Place) commercial centres to buy such items as the latest ROUTE: Limassol Municipality Market Parking Place Sea design fashions, prescription eye wear, perfumes front, Road up to Saint Raphael Hotel , Chirokitia, Kofi- and liqueurs, many of which are less costly here nou, Mosfiloti, Nisou, Latsia, Nicosia, Makarios Avenue, than in Europe. Solomos Square. Spend a day window shopping at any of the numer- For information concerning timetables and fees please ous international brand stores and local boutiques on contact: Tel: 22665814 Makarios Avenue or visit one of the local shopping NICOSIA-Larnaka Please contact Tel: 24643492 centres such as Galaxias, City Plaza and Capital. Also take the time to visit Stasikratous Street, a BANKS prime location of Nicosia which is probably the most Banking Hours for the public exclusive and stylish street in Cyprus, a haven for top MONDAY: 08:30-13:30 15:15-16:45 fashion brand stores and exclusive boutiques. With TUESDAY-FRIDAY: 08:30-13:30 over 60 stores on Stasikratous and an additional 30 No afternoon service is provided in May, June, July, Au- on its adjacent Mnasiadou Street, you can spend an gust and September except in centrally located branches. entire day here and shop till you drop. And if you get tired from shopping or suddenly feel hungry, you can Shopping hours relax at one of the numerous trendy cafes, bars and Winter Period (1 November – 31 March) restaurants on the two streets. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday until 7:00pm / If you follow Makarios Avenue until the end and then Wednesday until 14:00 / Saturday until 15:00, Sunday turn right, you will get to Eleftheria Square (under con- closed. struction) which leads to the old town centre. Most of Summer Period (1 April – 31 October) the shopping area in the old part of Nicosia is now pe- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, until 20:00 / Wednes- destrianised so it is easy to ramble through its zigzag day until 15:00 / Saturday until 19:30, Sunday closed. streets, especially in Laiki Yitonia which is of particular Most shops in the walled city are open on Sundays interest to travelers who want a taste of Cypriot culture. as well. Laiki Yitonia is a renovated eighteenth century en- clave where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares along cobblestone lanes. Here too bou- gainvillea laced restaurants beckon with the aroma of roast lamb and Greek coffee. It is a good idea to shop around before buying and once you begin you will realise just how much there is to see. Take your time and relax while shopping. From shoes to spectacles to clothes, you are bound to find something to suit your taste and pocket and at the same time you will discover a little of the daily life in the capital.

13 WALKS

WALKING AROUND THE VENETIAN WALLS

2 km route from the Flatro Bastion in the eastern part KAIMAKLI AND PALLOURIOTISSA: of the city to the Ledra Palace Crossing in the western THE PAST RESTORED part (along the Green Line). BUS AND WALKING TOUR ... AND IT’S WELL WORTH THE EXPERIENCE! WALKING TOURS OF NICOSIA Every Monday GET TO KNOW THE CAPITAL BY WALKING Visitors are taken to discover the scenic “village” within Within the framework of wider efforts to get foreign visi- the Nicosia Municipality, Kaimakli, as well as the Pal- tors better acquainted with the old city within the walls, louriotissa community. In both places the old nucleus the Lefkosia (Nicosia) Municipality established a series of is well-known for its listed buildings, some of the most thematic walking tours which date back to 1987. These distinctive examples of late 19th century and early 20th tours have been reorganized to present various new as- century domestic architecture, built by the renowned pects of the old city, as well as the city outside the walls. master craftsmen of Nicosia. All tours are guided and in English. A city like Lefkosia Throughout the tour, visitors have the opportunity to (Nicosia) with its 5000 year-long history has much to of- visit the Loukia & Michael Zambelas Art Museum, fer. By walking, one gets a better feel for the place and the traditional listed houses along Vassileos Pavlou its atmosphere, then and now, and a better understand- Street, the Agia Barbara Church, as well as the reno- ing of its continual cultural development. This is the phi- vated cultural centre in an old mill at Myloi. A walk losophy upon which these walking tours of Nicosia are around the brick-paved roads of Pallouriotissa is also based. included.

14 Nicosia this Month

The Walls In Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, we can still see a fine example of a medieval wall, encircling the older part of the City with a periphery of about three miles. The wall, designed by the military engineer Julio Savorgnano, was built between 1567 and 1570, when the Venetians expected a Turkish invasion of Cyprus to occur after a holy vow was taken by the Ottoman Sultan Selim, to fulfill what he saw as his duty to capture the island. A more fragile circuit of walls built by the Lusignan rulers of Cyprus was torn down, to be replaced by Savorgnano’s construction, providing a shortened DISCOVER THE OLD TOWN AND ITS WALLS defence perimeter of just one mile. This involved (tour within the walls) destroying most of the Lusignan city, a sacrifice that Every Thursday was clearly considered worthwhile. The Nicosia Walking Tour aims to provide an overall pic- The new wall contained eleven bastions, named af- ture of the city within the walls and how it has evolved ter Venetian officials and Cypriot nobles, and three with the passing of time and historical events, especially gates. Despite the warning served by the Sultan, its development from the Medieval times to the present, the walls were still incomplete by the time the in- through architecture. Visitors also have the chance to vading force landed. The base of the wall was con- visit workshops and shops, where craftsmen still fab- structed in stone, but the upper part of the wall was ricate products the traditional way: candle makers, a little more than glorified earthworks. A planned blacksmiths, chair makers, cobblers, coppersmiths and moat was also abandoned, the replacement trench tailors, are just a few of the many disappearing trades was not deep enough, and the walls also lacked covered by the tour. essential internal support. The Venetians boasted Visitors also witness the ongoing efforts to revitalize the that the wall could withstand a two year siege. In Chrysaliniotissa neighbourhood under the Nicosia Mas- fact, it survived less than fifty days of assault. ter Plan: the renovation of the old and the construction of A Turkish force of ten thousand assembled in the new buildings; young families moving in, breathing new life into an area that had lain derelict after the Turkish plain surrounding Nicosia on July 24, 1570, and invasion of 1974. started hurling artillery shells at the shaky edifice. These guided tours are offered free of charge by the An all night bombardment, followed by a coordi- Municipality of Nicosia and are organised in association nated assault on four of the bastions, precipitated with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Cyprus the end on September 9. Over twenty thousand Tourist Guides Association. The starting and ending point people were slaughtered in the ensuing bloodbath of the walks is the: Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the Turkish troops were allowed to loot for Information Office, Aristokyprou 11, Laiki Yitonia, (East of three days. Eleftheria Square), tel.: 22674264. Eighty years of Venetian rule were at an end, to be replaced by a Turkish occupation destined to Each tour lasts not more than two hours and 45 min- survive more than two centuries. Today the walls utes, including a half-hour break for refreshments. Par- are in a fairly good condition and the three gates ticipants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes preserved, especially the one which in the old and light clothes for all walking tours. A hat is also rec- days connected the city with the eastern part of ommended during summer months. the island.

15 EXCURSIONS by car

Alona village The village of Alona is situated on the slopes of a beautiful Troodos valley between the hilltops of Madari and Papoutsa, at a height of 1,100 metres. The timeless charm of the little cobbled streets and the traditional stone-built houses so typical of local folk architecture awaken nostalgia for the past.

Agia Varvara village Proto-Industrial Museum Phikardou village To arrange a visit please contact: Tel: 22521715 The whole village has been declared an ancient monument The early industrial workshop of Agia Varvara is unique in order to preserve architecture of the 19th to early 20th in Cyprus. It combines the traditional house with the century houses. place of work. The ingenunity of the owner led to the establishment of a pioneering workshop using the primi- Kakopetria Village tive means of the 1920s. Nicosia to Troodos Road. Kakopetria lies in the Solea valley 700m above sea-level amongst orchards and groves of Dali poplars. Parts of the old village have been restored. About 20km south of Nicosia, off the Nicosia - Larnaca / Limassol motorway. Excavations of Ancient Idalion, one of Pedoulas the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus are currently taking An excellent destination, sitting at an altitude of 1200m, place in the town of Dali. ideal for all ages and for all seasons. The village boasts ten churches including the Church of Archangel Michael which Panagia Chrysospiliotissa has been designated as an UNESCO site. Also hosted in the Near Deftera village, 11 km southwest of Nicosia. Church village are two excellent museum collections – the Byzan- dedicated to “Our Lady of the Golden Cave” dating back to tine and the Folk Museums. early Christian period. Religious fair near the church on 15th August, name day of the Virgin Mary. The church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis Lies about 5 km to the north of Kakopetria. It is covered with Tamassos murals dating from the 11th to the 17th century and is con- Politiko village, 20 km southwest of Nicosia. A rich city- sidered one of the most interesting Byzantine churches on kingdom in ancient Cyprus, renowned for its copper mines. the island. Excavations have brought to light the Royal Tombs and copper workshops associated with Aphrodite-Astarte. Stavrovouni Monastery Perched on a rocky peak 750m above sea-level. Stavrovou- Agios Iraklidios Convent ni means Mountain of the Cross. Women are not allowed in Nearby Tamassos (0.5 km from Royal Tombs) allows or- the monastery, though men may visit daily, except on Green ganised groups to visit on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thurs- Monday and the following day. days from 9:00 to 12:00. Individuals can visit every day. Kalopanayiotis, Moutoulas Macheras Monastery These villages are famous for their table-water and sulphur 41 km south of Nicosia, through Deftera and Pera villages. springs and also the cherry orchards in which they nestle. Founded by two monks in 1148, when an icon of the Virgin The church of Saint John Lampadistis, in Kalopanayiotis has Mary was found in a nearby cave. excellent frescoes of the 13th and 15th centuries.

Cultural Events

1-15 February Sculpture exhibition by Paraskevas Papangeli On Friday 1 February 2013, Gloria Gallery is launching a sculpture exhibition by Paraskevas Papangeli. The exhibition will be inaugurated by the Minister of Inte- rior, Eleni Mavrou. Paraskevas Papangeli was born in Famagusta village Genagra and now resides in Limas- sol. He started sculpting in 1992. Gloria Gallery, 3 Zenon Sozou Street, Nicosia. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10:30-12:45 and 17:00-20:00. Saturday 10:30-13:00. Information: www.gloriagallery.com.

1-15 February “Tributes” Apart from planning its visual and social activities for 2013, and in a bid to celebrate 50 years since it was founded (1964-2014), the new Board of Directors of the 1-22 February Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts (EKATE) has planned a series of exhibitions by its living founding members, to Valentine’s Art Date honour them. Nina Iacovou is first in line. The exhibition The exhibition Valentine’s Art Date is dedicated to will be launched on 1 February, at 19:30. the deeper meaning of Valentine’s Day, which ex- EKATE building (11 Peonos Street, Nicosia). pands beyond its commercial identity. The exhibi- Information: 22466426. tion centres on five main pillars: romance, flowers, love, feelings and couples. With works by 57 artists, 1 February - 3 March these meanings take on a visual substance, through paintings and sculptures. The works aim to show “City – Toy” the course that leads two souls to their final destina- The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia opens Pando- tion and common coexistence as a couple. ra’s Box, challenging visitors and passersby on Hyppocra- Events that will run in parallel with the exhibition tous Street to take a trip back to their childhood with the ex- will be announced on the website www.zampela- hibition “City – Toy”. The exhibition “City – Toy” will be hosted sart.com and on Facebook: facebook.com/zampe- in the display window of the museum on Hyppocratous las.artmuseum. Street and the exhibiting area “Pandora’s Box”. Loukia and Michael Zambela Art Museum, 27 The first part of the exhibition on Hyppocratous Street de- Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, Kaimakli. Free picts the living room of an urban home in Nicosia, which entry to the Valentine’s Art Date. Visit to the has been taken over by toys from another era. The pres- Museum’s Permanent Collection at the special price ence of children can be felt, without them being present. of €8 for two people with a tour on 12, 13, 14 and 15 The second part of the exhibition, at “Pandora’s Box”, uses February. During the exhibition, the works will be on slides to present the history of each object in the Hyppocra- sale at a 10% discount. Information: 22456098. tous Street display window, as well as a big part of the Lev- entis Municipal Museum of Nicosia’s collection of toys.

18 Nicosia this Month

1-24 February “Nicosia my City – a European City” Following the great success of the exhibition “Nicosia my City – a European City”, the Lev- entis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and Ag- landjia’s 4th Nursery School have extended its duration until 24 February 2013. Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00-16:30. Their creations are exhibited at the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, at the House of Educational Programmes (15-17 Hyppocratous 5 February – 2 March Street, www.leventismuseum.org.cy). “Descendance” The exhibition Descendance is a tribute and sweet recollec- Friday 23:00 tion of two significant artists, Katy and Tassos Stephanides, Winding Corridors who played a fundamental role in the country’s cultural scene, which is carried on by their son Panos Stephanides. Winding Corridors return to night-time Nico- Panos will exhibit selected works from various units, as sia with their well-known funk, disco and rock well as new works that have not yet been shown in public. sounds, mainly from the 70s and 80s, but also The exhibition will be launched by the Mayor of Nicosia, from the 90s until today. Constantinos Yiorkadjis, on 5 February. At Down Town Live (former Berdema), Apocalypse gallery (Tofarco Building, 30 Chytron St). 30 Nikiforou Foka, Old Nicosia. Entry: €10 Information: www.apocalypse-gallery.com.cy, 22300150. (including one drink). Information: 99810011.

9 February 19:30 Student Short Film Festival The Ayioi Omologites Cultural Workshop is organising the ‘Student Short Film Festival’ for the first time ever. Short films produced by students will be presented at the Ierodiakonou Mansion. The aim of the Festival is to project productions by post-graduate students from the University of Bristol, who have an MA in Film and TV Production. The movies are creative and original in regards to direction, script, set design and music. The first “Student Short Film Festival” hopes to be the start of a festival that pro- motes the work of young writers, directors, producers, actors and students. By establishing the Festival, the aim is to promote creativity, exchange of ideas and cultivation of critical thought, with productions from abroad as well as Cyprus. The movies that will be screened are: Back in the Swing of Things (Documentary Short), The Body (Short Fiction), Quizmaster (Short Fiction), Secret Paths of Youth (Short Fiction), Trials of an Impure Heart (Short Fiction), Portrait of a Frenchman (Short Fiction). The Ierodiakonou Mansion, 1 Ayioi Omologites and Aghialou Avenue, Nicosia. Entry: €5 / €3 for Workshop members. Information: www.politistiko-ergastiri.org, 22256782.

19 Cultural Events STILL ON Until 28 February 10 February 12:00-17:30 Photography exhibition by Sergey Yastrzhembskiy entitled “impres- Cyprus Chess Tournament sions” at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation (86-88-90 Faner- omeni Street, Nicosia). Yastrzhembskiy exhibits 63 photographs from for Children and Youths Africa, Europe, Russia and Cyprus. Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, The Nicosia Municipal Multipurpose Centre and Nicosia 10:00-19:00 (excluding bank holidays). Information: 22128157. Chess Club are organising the Cyprus Chess Tourna- Until 28 February ment for Children and Youths. The Mayor of Nicosia, AlphaGallery presents the first solo exhibition by award-winning artist Constantinos Yiorkadjis, will hand out medals to the Christos Avraam, under the title “Social Contract”. Makarios Avenue & winners of the various categories. Papanikoli 3, Nicosia. Information: [email protected], 22751325. The Nicosia Municipal Multipurpose Centre, (40 Nikiforou Foka St, near Famagusta Gate). Until 31 March The Asia Minor Cypriots Association and the Archbishop Makarios III Information: 22797856. Foundation are organising an exhibition with heirlooms of Cyprus’ Asia Minor Hellenism, entitled “90 years after the Asia Minor catastrophe…”. 14 February-2 March In the Periodical Exhibitions room at the Byzantine Museum on Archbishop “Tourists Who Shoot” Kyprianou Square (opposite the Pancyprian Gymnasium). Information: The exhibition “Tourists Who Shoot” (2009-2012) con- www.makariosfoundation.org.cy, 22430008. sists of a series of images depicting tourists whilst pho- Until 31 May tographing various parts of the world (Prague, Athens, The exhibition “Beyond dress codes” presents 140 original designs by Cairo, New York, St. Louis, Ravenna and Paphos). illustrator Gisis Papageorgiou, with the theme of traditional Greek and Theopisti Stylianou-Lambert, assistant photography Cypriot costumes, as well as 40 original creations by distinguished lecturer at the Cyprus University of Technology, looks fashion designers. At the Laiki Bank’s Byron Museum, 32 Byron Avenue, at tourist destinations as venues for “choreographies” Nicosia. Information: 22718605. by tourists with cameras at the start of the 21st century. Until 21 July The exhibition includes 21 photographs and two instal- International contemporary art program Terra Mediterranea – In Cri- lations. sis, which is organised by the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre and the During the exhibition’s launch on 13 February at 19:30, Pierides Foundation. Apart from the homonymous Terra Mediterranea the homonymous book “Tourists Who Shoot” will be – In Crisis exhibition, which is taking place at the Nicosia Municipal Arts presented. Centre (Palias Ilectrikis), the project includes a second contemporary Argo Gallery, 64E Digeni Akrita Avenue, Nicosia. art exhibition [at Maroudias] curated by the Re Aphrodite team at the Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-13:00 and 17:00- Ethnological Museum – House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios. 20:00 / Saturday 10:00-13:00. Information: www.argogallery.org, 22754009.

9 February 17:00 Chamber Music Concert Concert with musicians from the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Vir- ginie Bove (flute), David Perpinan (oboe), Angelos Angelides (clarinet), Giovanni Galetti (bassoon), Kelly Alijani (horn), Nicolas Constantinou (piano). Κ. Stylianou: “Spring” and “Autumn” from Four Seasons for wind quintet. L. v. Beethoven: Wind and piano quintet on E flat major, Work 16. Fr. Poulenc: Sextet for Wind Quintet and Piano, FP 100. Pallas Theatre, Paphos Gate, Nicosia. Free entry. Information: www.cyso.org.cy, 22463144.

20 Nicosia this Month

28 February-31 March play is severe, full of tensions and twists. Performers “Built Ideas: A Life (in alphabetical order): Prokopis Agathocleous, Dimitris of Learning, Teaching and Action” Antoniou, Marina Argyridou, Niki Dragoumi, Andreas Koutsoumbas, Andri Kyriakou, Marios Constantinou, The exhibition “Built Ideas: A Life of Learning, Teaching Neoklis Neokleous, Polyxeni Savva, Andreas Fylaktou, and Action” showcases the 43-year work of architect and Stela Fyrogeni, Niovi Charalambous, Christina Christofia. educator Theocharis David, FAIA. The exhibition was cu- THOC Theatre, New Stage (9 Gregoris Afxentiou Street, rated by architect Christoph a. KumpuschPhD., and was Nicosia). The 8 and 9 February shows will include English first presented at Pratt Institute’s School of Architecture and Greek surtitles. Information: www.thoc.org.cy, 77772717. in New York in March 2012 with great success. It was then presented at the New Benaki Museum in Athens Saturday-Sunday 18:00 between December 13, 2012 and January 13, 2013, in cooperation with the Hellenic Institute of Architecture. “Kali-Kantzar & Co!..” (POCKET MUSICAL) The 19, mostly constructed, works that are presented One afternoon, during a customary patrol of the town’s through the architect’s scale models, photographs and leading theatre, the guard suddenly hears a strange sketches, showcase the interrelation of four architectural sound. Alarmed, he discovers an entire gang of imposing, themes: Ground, Precedent, Symbolism and Art. weird and suspicious beings on top of one of the empty Famagusta Gate. Athena Avenue, Nicosia. Opening stages. Why? Who are they? For what reason are they there? When and how? A story with unpredictable, fun, af- hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00, fectionate and naughty adventures, twists and surprises! Saturday and Sunday 16:00-20:00. A pocket musical, direction by Lea Maleni and music by Information: www.tdanyc.com, 22499464. Dimitris Zavros, for teenagers and adults, middle agers, grandfathers and grandmothers who can still hope and Wednesday-Saturday 20:30 dream. Acting (in alphabetical order): Anna Yiangiozi, Mar- “Spring Awakening” (DRAMA) garita Zachariou, Valentinos Kokkinos, Alexandros Parisis. In his first direction for THOC, Dimitris Lignadis presents THOC Theatre, New Stage (9 Gregoris Afxentiou Street, the Frank Wedekind drama Spring Awakening. The play’s Nicosia – old GSP area). The 9 and 10 February shows will theme is adolescence in conflict with the establishment, include English and Greek surtitles. family, religion, school and correctional methods. The Information: www.thoc.org.cy, 77772717. Screenings at The Shoe Factory The Pharos Arts Foundation is screening a series direction: Chris Marker, duration: 180 minutes, 1977 of rare movies, which explore notorious ideas on / France (two parts). life and death, war and peace, wisdom and insanity, 25 February: WARD No.6, direction: Karen Sha- space and time. khnazarov / Aleksandr Gornovsky, duration: 83 min- 4 February: MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES, utes, 2009 / Russia. direction: Jennifer Baichwal, duration: 83 minutes, 27 February: PALMS (LADONI), direction: Artur 2007 / Canada. Aristakisyan, duration: 140 minutes, 1993 / Russia. 6 February: EXAMINED LIFE, direction: Astra The Shoe Factory, 304 Ermou Street, Nicosia. Taylor, duration: 90 minutes, 2009 / Canada. Free entry. Non-English-speaking movies will 11 February: NOTRE MUSIQUE, direction: Jean- projected with English subtitles. All screenings Luc Godard, duration: 76 minutes, 2004 / France. start at 20:00. 13 and 18 February: A GRIN WITHOUT A CAT, Information: www.pharosartsfoundation.org.