Visit Nicosia Nicosia Today Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, one of the oldest cities in our part of the world, is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, rich in history and culture. With around 250,000 citizens, it is the only divided capital in Europe. Even though Lefkosia (Nicosia) itself is not a top touristic destination as it is in the center of the island, it attracts a lot of cultural visitors, especially for its interesting history: the “Green Line” (or buffer zone) that divides the old city and which reminds us of a modern Berlin Wall, and the contradiction between the modern and developed center (around Makarios Ave), and the traditional town. The heart of the city, within the 16th century Venetian walls, has a number of interesting museums and art galleries, Byzantine churches and a number of medieval and neo-classical buildings. Its narrow streets retain the romantic atmosphere of the past. Much of the charm and beauty of Nicosia is to be found in the old city with its labyrinthine alleyways and elegant courtyard houses. Outside the walls, Nicosia is a modern cosmopolitan city. Brief History Greater Nicosia is probably the only area in Cyprus that can boast continuous habitation since the beginning of the Bronze Age 2500 years BC, when the first inhabitants settled in the fertile plain of Mesaoria. The fact that settlements in Nicosia thrived and developed while others ceased to exist, makes the area unique among other Bronze Age sites. During the first millennium BC, when Cyprus was divided into City-Kingdoms, Nicosia enjoyed neither the power nor the prosperity of other kingdoms, most of which lay on the coastline. The Kingdom of Ledra (Nicosia) was firmly under the political will of its neighbours until the Roman times, when Nicosia was nothing more than a small town. It was not until the dissolution of the City-Kingdoms at the end of the 4th century AD that Nicosia managed to exploit its natural resources and geographical location in the centre of the island. During the Byzantine era, Nicosia, became the capital (965 A.C.), when it was freed from the Arab invaders and reintegrated with the Byzantine empire. Byzantines moved the old capital from Konstantia (coastal area) to Nicosia for protection, as the invaders attacked coastal sides. In 1191 Richard I of England conquered Cyprus. The Franks ruled the island from 1192 to 1489 and Nicosia was the capital of Cyprus’ medieval kingdom as well as the base of the Lusignan kings and of the Latin Church. Marvelous palaces and buildings were built during the Frankish occupation of Cyprus, including the Hagia Sophia cathedral, now in the occupied side of Nicosia. In 1489, Cyprus came under Venetian occupation, with Nicosia remaining as the capital of the island. The famous Venetian walls of Nicosia were built during this time. In 1570 the Ottomans invaded Nicosia. The Turkish domination of the island lasted until 1878, when Cyprus went under British occupation. In 1955 an armed struggle against the British rule began aiming to unite the island with Greece. The struggle was led by EOKA, a Greek Cypriot nationalist military resistance organization. The unification with Greece failed and instead the independence of Cyprus was declared in 1960. During the period of the struggle, Nicosia was the scene of violent protests against the British rule. In 1960 Nicosia became the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, a state established by the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Due to the intercommunal riots which started in 1963, Nicosia was divided in Greek and Turkish sections. On 15 July 1974, there was an attempted coup d'état led by the Greek military junta to unite the island with Greece. The coup ousted president Makarios III. On 20 July 1974, the Turkish army invaded the island on the pretext of restoring the constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus. However, even after the restoration of constitutional order and the return of Archbishop Makarios III to Cyprus in December 1974, the Turkish troops remained on the island occupying the northeastern portion of the island. Free Time - seesights - Nightlife During your trip here there’s a lot to see and do, like having a meal, go shopping, chill out in a cafe and visit hot spots of the magnificent city of Nicosia. Free Time: If you’d like to have a meal, a cup of coffee or go shopping you can definitely visit Ledra Street, Makariou Street and the Mall of Cyprus. Ledra and Makariou Street are in the old town as well as the market. Especially Ledra has old buildings and beautiful paved roads where cars are not allowed. Onasagorou Street is parallel with Ledra Street and is full of cafes, taverns, cosy restaurants. Moreover, it was recently rebuilt and renovated. Many parks are scattered all over the city, Athalassas park, Akropolis park and Plateia tis Manas Park (mother’s square) which is across the mall. In addition, a big pedestrian path covers the city, and is the best place for a relaxing walk as it is covered with trees. Last but not least a new movie at K-cineplex cinema is ideal for film and art lovers, or a play at THOC theatre. Museums: Nicosia was always a historical district that’s why it is full of museums. Nicosia’s Arceological Museum, offers findings from all over Cyprus and all the historical periods. The Byzantine Museum is situated inside the Archdiocese and is full of old hagiographies, mosaics and religious icons taken from the oldest churches and monasteries, in free and occupied Cyprus. Levention Museum is the most eficient one as its exhibits represent and explain the history and social development in Cyprus from the Chalcolithic period (3900 B.C.) until nowadays. Hadjigiorgakis Kornesios was the most famous dragoman of Cyprus during Turkish domination. His house is now used as a museum. The last museum is the Museum of Natural History and the exhibits are embalmed birds, fishes, animals of all kinds. Our Recommendations !!! - We recommend you visit the Leventis Gallery which opened in 2014. It houses a collection from Cypriot, Greek and European Artists. http://www.leventisgallery.org/news - The history of the city of Nicosia, from antiquity to the present era, unfolds in a complex of traditional buildings on Hippocrates Street no.15-17. The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia is located in the old city within the walls, not very far from Eleftheria Square. http://www.leventismuseum.org.cy/ - The Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), located on Ermou Street in the heart of the walled city of Nicosia, opened in 2014. The CVAR is home to the Costas and Rita Severis collections, which include paintings, antique costumes and memorabilia related to Cyprus and its neighbors. The CVAR also houses a library and research centre whose over 5,000 volumes are available to scholars and casual readers alike. http://cvar.severis.org/el/ - Located in the heart of the lively neighborhood of old Nicosia, the beautiful stone building carried through the centuries a unique tradition and culture. Hamam Omerye with its impressive dome, hamam bath and private cabins surrounding a round marble bench offers you an authentic yet luxurious hamam experience. Enjoy invigorating relaxation with a glass of wine or a cup of tea amidst unique scents of precious oils and the art of massage under relaxing music. http://www.hamamomerye.com/index.php/en/ Hamam Omerye Address: 8 Tyllirias Square Nicosia, 1016, Cyprus Nicosia 1016 Cyprus mail: [email protected] Phone: 22460006 More info, at the Municipality page http://www.nicosia.org.cy/en- GB/discover/museums/ http://www.nicosia.org.cy/en-GB/discover/ Online Nicosia Guides!!! http://www.cyprusevents.net/ http://www.cypriotandproud.com/ http://cyprus.wiz-guide.com Usefull Information!! Name of our school Ethnomartyras Kyprianos Lyceum, Strovolos School Webpage http://lyk-strovolos-lef.schools.ac.cy/ Address of the School 100 Kantaras Str 2049 Strovolos Tel: 22814700, 22814705 Fax: 22324735 Country code for Cyprus +357…. Participating teachers Melpo Georgiadou email: [email protected] Cleo Demetriou email: [email protected] Eleni Rossidou email: [email protected] Panayiota Ioannou email: [email protected] Anna- Maria Pavlou email: [email protected] Despo Lambrou email: [email protected] Michalis Farazis email: [email protected] Eleni Demetriou email: [email protected] Credit card loss JCC (tel: 22 868 100), the main credit card transaction processing company, operates a 24-hour service for lost or stolen cards. Opening hours Banks Sept-Apr 8.30am-1pm, 3.15-4.45pm Mon; 8.30am-1pm Tue-Fri.May-Aug 8.30am- 1pm Mon-Fri. Centrally located banks provide an ‘afternoon tourist service’ by opening their foreign exchange counters. Businesses Mid Sept-May 8am-1pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri. June-mid Sept 8am-1pm, 4-7pm Mon-Fri. Public services Sept-June 7.30am-2.30pm Mon-Wed, Fri; 7.30am-2.30pm, 3-6pm Thur. June-Aug 7.30am-2.30pm Mon-Fri. Shops open from 7am and 9am until the following times: Nov-Maruntil 7.30pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri; 3pm Wed; 7pm Sat. Apr-Oct until 8pm Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri; 3pm Wed; 7.30pm Sat. Pharmacies Pharmacies are subject to the same opening hours as other shops. However, they take it in turns to stay open late at night, on Sundays and public holidays. The names and addresses of late-night and emergency pharmacies are published in all daily newspapers, including the English-language Cyprus Mail (www.cyprus-mail.com) and Sunday Mail, as well as, in The Cyprus Weekly (www.cyprusweekly.com.cy) (published on Fridays).