Nicosia (North)
From World travel guide
North Nicosia (Turkish: Lefkoşa) is the northern part of the divided city of Nicosia and the capital of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Contents |
Understand
Northern Nicosia is the Turkish-occupied side of the city, containing approximately a third of the Old City. Cut off from the core of the city and a fair distance from any other population centers in the North, northern Nicosia is economically in dire straits and the city streets are visibly crumbling, with many shops shuttered for lack of custom.
Orientation
Atatürk Square, at the northern edge of the Old City, is the focal point of the city.
Get in
Most tourists visit northern Nicosia as a daytrip from the southern side.
By car
A road connects Nicosia to Kyrenia on the northern coast.
Get around
The Old City of north Nicosia can be comfortably covered on foot.
See
- Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral). Northern Nicosia's top attraction, this fortresslike cathedral-cum-mosque was completed in 1228 and has survived a number of earthquakes since then. The cathedral was converted into a mosque in 1570 and the two minarets added at the same time are a Nicosia landmark.
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Contact
Tourism information may or may not be available at the tourism office on Atatürk Square.
Get out
- Until recently, it was impossible to visit the South from the North, but controls have been relaxed recently so enquire locally. The main checkpoint is near the Ledra Palace hotel, on the western side of the city wall.
- The more pleasant port town of Kyrenia is an hour away by car, and St. Hilarion Castle makes an interesting detour along the way.
External links
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