Nicosia Λευκωσία/Lefkoşa

Makariou Avenue, Nicosia, Cyprus


Nicosia (Greek: Λευκωσία; Turkish: Lefkoşa) in Turkish, is the capital and biggest city in the Republic of Cyprus. It is a divided city with the northern portion separated from the rest in the 1960's, following recial violence that split the island into the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey. This article describes only the southern portion of Nicosia which is within the Republic of Cyprus, often also called South Nicosia.

Agios Savvas Church, Nicosia


Nicosia has a population of 313,000 (2011 estimate). It observes the Eastern European Time, which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). The city experiences a hot semi-arid climate. Summers in Nicosia is very hot, with average July temperature rising to 37.2°C (99°F). On the other hand, the average low temperature in February is just 5.2°C (41.4°F). The wettest month is December, which receives 65.8 mm (2.59 in) of precipitation - total annual precipitation for Nicosia amounts to just 342.2 mm (13.472 in).

The area around Nicosia has been settled since ancient times when it was known as Ledra. Record of its existence goes back to 672 BC, when the King of Ledra, Onasagoras, paid tribute to the ruler of Assyria, Esarhaddon. By AD 348, the name has evolved to Lefkousia.

The name Nicosia first came to be used during the rule of the Lusignan kings, who reigned over Cyprus since 1192. It is said to the a corruption of Lefkousia, as the French-speaking Crusaders had difficulties to (or do not care to) pronounce it. Cyprus was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1570. Then the British took over Cyprus in 1878, and made Nicosia the capital of British Cyprus.

Street in Nicosia, Cyprus


Violence erupted in Nicosia just before Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The city was rocked by violence and in 1974, Turkey sent troops to invade it. This resulted in a divided city which remains so till this day. Since 2008, relationship between the two sides has thawed, with the opening of a symbolic wall on Ledra Street, between the two parts of Nicosia.

Visiting Nicosia, Cyprus

Past interracial violence in Nicosia that resulted in the Nicosia International Airport today being located in the buffer zone, so the main gateway to Cyprus is now shifted to the Larnaca International Airport (LCA) 40 km from the city center. The airport has a sparkling new terminal building since November, 2009. It is connected with all the major cities in Europe except Turkey and Northern Cyprus. Arriving at Larnaca Airport, you can take an airport shuttle bus to Nicosia.

View in Nicosia, Cyprus

Exploring Nicosia

The Old City part of Nicosia is fairly compact and can be explored on foot. You will find here traditional Greek Cypriot shops and narrow alleys. The Nicosia office of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation hands out free maps for you to explore. To cover greater distances, there are plenty of taxis in the city. Make sure the driver turns on the meter when you climb on board.

Places of Interest in Nicosia, Cyprus

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