Einführung
The Nicosia District is the island's central administrative region, occupying the heart of Cyprus and containing the capital city, Nicosia (Lefkosia). Unlike the coastal districts, which are defined by beach resorts and archaeological coastal sites, the Nicosia district is the inland core of the island — less visited but more representative of Cypriot daily life, with the capital city, the wine region of the Pitsillia foothills on the district's southern edge, and the buffer zone dividing the island running through the city itself.
Nicosia (Lefkoşa) entdecken
The capital city within the Nicosia District is the country's political, commercial, and cultural centre — and the world's last divided capital. The historic Old City sits inside Venetian walls from the 1560s; the Green Line runs through its centre, separating Greek Cypriot south from Turkish Cypriot north. The Cyprus Museum, the Selimiye Mosque (former Cathedral of Saint Sophia), the Buyuk Han caravanserai, and the Ledra Street crossing are the key sites. Nicosia rewards slower exploration than the beach resorts: the old town neighbourhoods on both sides of the divide, the cathedral of Saint John with its 18th-century frescoes, and the Byzantine and Modern Art Museum provide a full day's programme.
Reisearten
Divided Nicosia
Green Line crossing, Selimiye Mosque, Cyprus Museum, Venetian walls, Buyuk Han, and the unique experience of crossing between two administered territories within one city.
Monasteries & Mountain Villages
Machairas Monastery in the Pitsillia foothills, traditional villages of Kakopetria and Agros, rose water production, and walking in the northern Troodos hills.
Ancient Archaeology
Ancient Tamassos (Bronze-Iron Age copper kingdom, Royal Tombs), the temple precinct of Aphrodite and Apollo, and the story of how Cyprus got its name from copper.
City Museums & Arts
Cyprus Museum (best archaeological collection on the island), Byzantine and Modern Art Museum, Leventis Municipal Museum, and the gallery programme in the restored Buyuk Han.
Nicosia District Travel Information
- •Nicosia is the island's only major inland city — expect Mediterranean summer heat (38–40°C in July–August) without coastal sea breeze. Morning visits to outdoor sites are strongly recommended in summer.
- •The Green Line crossing at Ledra Street is open daily. Most nationalities can cross with a valid passport or national ID; check your specific nationality's requirements as some restrictions apply.
- •Northern Cyprus uses Turkish Lira; southern Cyprus uses Euro. ATMs are available on both sides of the crossing, but cards from some banks may not work in the north.
- •Crossing into northern Cyprus does not constitute recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey. Republic of Cyprus law applies to the southern sector.
- •Machairas Monastery has a strict dress code — covered shoulders and knees required for all visitors.
- •Ancient Tamassos site opening hours are limited; verify before visiting as the site is not always staffed daily outside the main season.
Städte in Nicosia (Lefkoşa)
1 Stadt mit ausführlichen Reiseinformationen