Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus

Nicosia, locally popular as Lefkosia, is the capital and largest city of Cyprus. On the banks of the Pedieos (Kanlidere) river located roughly in the centre of the island, it is the seat of government as well as the main business centre.

It is the only divided capital city in the world, with the northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) portions divided by the “Green Line”, a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations. The city is a popular trade center and is a leading manufacturer of textiles, leather, pottery, plastic and other products.

Lefkosia is the Greek name of Nicosia, probably influenced from Lefkos, son of Ptolemy I of Egypt, who has re-built the city in the 3^rd century BC. Some also believe that the name originated from the white poplar (lefki), which was abundant in the riverbed. The name of the city can also be inspired from the name Lefkothea, the White Goddess. The city first became the capital of Cyprus in the 11^th century AD. Since then, it has grown in importance because of threats to the coastal cities Paphos and Salamis, which made many people flee to this centrally located city.

Nicosia was known as Ledra or Ledrae in ancient times when it was the seat of the Lusignan kings of Cyprus since 1192. It came under the Venetian possession in 1489 and later under the Ottoman Empire in 1571. Ledra is, now, the name of the most popular commercial street. The name ‘Nicosia’ first appeared towards the end of the 12^th century AD, when the city was owned and run by the Knights Templar who gave rise to the eponym ‘Nicosia’. Probably, the crusaders were unable to pronounce the name ‘Kallinikisis’, the name of the city at that time and they tended to say ‘Nikosia’, which they spelled as ‘Nicosia’. Under the rule of the Franks, the city progressed culturally, while under the Lusignans in the 15^th and 16^th centuries AD, the capital witnessed the construction of a numerous palaces, mansions, churches and monasteries.

As the capital of the Republic, Nicosia is Cyprus's political, economic and cultural head. Greater Nicosia is subdivided into seven municipalities, but the metropolitan authority is the Municipality of Nicosia itself. Within its boundaries, the Constitution states that the main government buildings and headquarters must be suited. The other municipalities in the city are Strovolos, Lakatameia, Latsia, Aglantzia, Engomi and Agios Dometios. According to the constitution of Cyprus, Nicosia Municipality was divided into a Greek and Turkish sector with two Mayors. One was a representative of the Greek community, which was in majority and the other represented the Turkish community.

The Lusignans transformed the city into an impressive city with a Royal Palace and over fifty churches. The old walled city of Nicosia is unique and is a must in every tourist’s itinerary. The heart of the city is enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls and is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings. The 4.5m thick wall once had three gates.

The Famagusta Gate or Pyli Ammochostou, one of the original entrances to the city, had won the Europa Nostra award for its restoration. It now serves as a cultural centre. Some other parts of the wall contain administrative offices. The enchanting old city is lined with historic buildings and medieval monuments as well as little shops, cafés and taverns.

Although the city has been ravaged more than once by conquerors, yet there are enough vestiges where one can enjoy the past. A visit to the old city is like taking a backward journey in time where you can witness narrow avenues, traditional houses with decorated balconies and sandstone walls. Laiki Yitonia (Folk Neighborhood) is a pedestrian section, which has been thoughtfully renovated to bring back the olden era of the past.

Eleftheria (Freedom) Square is the heart of the city is where you will find the city hall, the post office and the library. Adjacent Ledra Street takes you to the liveliest part of the old city, which has narrow alleys, boutiques and cafés. Agia Fanomereni is a church built in 1872 with the remains of an old castle and a convent. The remains of the Archbishop and the other Bishops who were killed by the Turks during the 1821 revolt lay here. Built in 1956, the Palace of the Archbishop at Arkhiepiskopos Kyprianos Square is a remarkable imitation of typical Venetian style of architecture. Just next to the palace is the late gothic style St John Cathedral  with picturesque frescos built in 1665.

Nicosia is also popular for its well-kept museums. The Archbishop's Palace contains a Byzantine Museum, which boasts of the largest collection of religious icons on the island. The Leventis Municipal Museum, with an imaginative presentation of the capital's history, was awarded the title "1991 European Museum of the Year" and it is the only historical museum of Nicosia. Leventis Municipal Museum, Cyprus Museum, Nicosia Jewels Museum, Folk Art Museum, National Struggle Museum, Cyprus Ethnological Museum, Municipal Arts Center, State Collection of Contemporary Art and Cyprus Handicrafts Centre are some of the other good museums worth visiting in Nicosia.

By: Shuchita Bist

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Source: http://en.wikipedia.org