Private Nicosia Tour: Explore North & South Nicosia Oldtown

Continue to Paphos Gate, another of the historic entrances through Nicosia’s Venetian walls. Located on the western side of the Old Town, it offers another perspective on the impressive fortifications that have surrounded the city for centuries.

We’ll drive straight into the southern part of the Old Town and take a bit more time there. This includes the historic border crossing point known as “Checkpoint Charlie” and a visit to the beautiful Panayia Phaneromeni Orthodox Church as well to other Orthodox Churches from different periodes.

A han (caravan station) was in ancient times accommodation and storage for traders passing through the city, often with stables for their horses (or camels) and sometimes with recreational facilities such as restaurants and hamams (Turkish baths). Büyük Han was built in 1572 and today is an excellently preserved and fully restored example of the architecture of the time and is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city. Büyük Han is home to a variety of shops, cafés and craft studios and is perfect for a short shopping trip during our tour of Nicosia. The Han is only a short walk from the Ledra Street Green Line pedestrian crossing.

Selimiye Mosque Originally the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Sophia, this stunning building was converted into a mosque during Ottoman times. After extensive restoration, it's now open to visitors again – inside and out. The blend of Gothic and Islamic styles is truly unique.

The Bandabuliya Municipal Market is located near the Selimiye Mosque. It was built between 1930 and 1932 during the British administration of the island. It is a covered market with a late Art Deco facade. Above the entrance is the inscription „Bandabuliya Pazari 1932“. It was the main covered market in the north of Nicosia. It was a traditional Turkish bazaar where you could find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products and household goods. It was not just a market. It was also a local meeting place. The market was renovated and re-opened in 2012. It now has over 70 stalls, cafes, bookshops and a small theatre. The stalls have returned along with craft and souvenir shops for visitors.

Ledra Street winds through the historic old town of Nicosia, divided into a Greek Cypriot southern part and a Turkish Cypriot northern part. In the larger Greek-Cypriot part, there is a lively shopping street with international chain stores. It ends in the south at the Platía Eleftherías, i.e. at the edge of the Venetian city wall. The 50-metre-wide Green Line separates the smaller Turkish northern part of the street from the southern part. Pedestrians can cross back and forth between the two parts of the street, as a border crossing has existed on Ledra Street since April 2008. The street, which was once a symbol of division, now connects (again) and is today the most popular promenade in Nicosia. Many large department stores have set up shop along it.

See the historic Famagusta Gate a reminder of Nicosia’s impressive Venetian fortifications, as well as the Liberty Monument next by. Naturally, there will also be opportunities to stop for photos.

Discover the fascinating Old Town of Nicosia on both sides of Europe’s last divided capital. On the Greek Cypriot side, stroll through narrow historic streets, see beautiful Orthodox churches from different periods and experience the lively atmosphere around Ledra Street. Then cross the Green Line on foot, pass through the UN Buffer Zone and enter the Turkish Cypriot side, where the atmosphere changes within just a few steps. Explore historic lanes, colorful shopping streets and some of North Nicosia’s most remarkable landmarks, including Büyük Han, the Selimiye Mosque, Bedesten and the Old Bazaar. Experience two cultures, different architectural styles and centuries of history within the Venetian walls – all during one fascinating walk through Nicosia Old Town.