Nicosia: The Divided Capital
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Port
Limassol, Cyprus
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Activity Level
Easy Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$140
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Discover Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and now (since the fall of Berlin Wall) the last divided capital city in the world. Nicosia has proudly served as the capital since medieval times. It is encircled by old city walls and criss-crossed by twisting, bustling streets. Visit St John's Cathedral, built in 1662 by Archbishop Nikiforos, whose walls are embellished with 18th-century frescoes depicting colorful biblical scenes. You’ll also see the magnificent collection of Cypriot antiquities housed in the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, built in classical British style. Also included are some artifacts dating from the Neolithic Age (7000 BC) to the early Byzantine period, as well as some Mycenaean relics. Ceramics, tomb monuments, bronze statues and coins that span more than 5,000 years of the island's history are all on display here. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the statue of Aphrodite from Soli—now the symbol of Cyprus. Afterwards, pause at the Green Line Checkpoint at Ledra Street (the dividing line between Greece and Turkey), where you can peek across to the occupied half of Nicosia and northern territory of Cyprus. Proceed through the impressive Venetian walls encircling the old town via the Paphos Gate. Upon arrival in the Old Town, you’ll have free time for shopping or browsing in the restored 19th-century neighborhood of Laiki Yitonia. Admire the traditional houses, craft shops, taverns and galleries lining the narrow pedestrian-only streets within this walled city, before you return to the pier.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.