01Culture · DAY 1 IDEA
Nicosia urban area · transfer from Stróvolos
Holy Mother of God Cathedral
To replace the main church of Nicosia's Armenian community which was left on the Turkish side, the Surp Asdvadzadzin Church was built and opened in 1981. It's the only church built in traditional Armenian style on Cyprus, and around it there are also other monuments related to the Armenian community, like the Armenian Genocide Monument, a marble khachkar (Armenian cross stone) and several statues.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
02Outdoors · DAY 1 IDEA
Nicosia urban area · transfer from Stróvolos
Bayraktar Mosque
Built and expanded gradually during the 18th and 19th centuries, around the tomb of an unknown Ottoman flagbearer (bayraktar) who fell during the conquest of Cyprus in 1570. Since 2003 it has been open to worshippers again.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
03Culture · DAY 1 IDEA
Nicosia urban area · transfer from Stróvolos
Ledra Observatory Museum
The Shakolas (older Nicosians know it by its former name The Mangli) building sticks out like a sore thumb in the medieval old city. To reach the observatory you have to go into the Debenhams shopping complex which is right in the middle of Ledra street, a mini skyscraper of 12 floors, towers over other buildings not rising higher than 2-3 floors. On its penultimate floor you find the observatory, where it's possible “to see” the division of the island.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
04Culture · DAY 2 IDEA
Nicosia urban area · transfer from Stróvolos
Archbishop's Palace and St. John's Cathedral
The residence of the Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus. It's built in neo-Byzatine style and finished in 1960. Not open to the public, but viewable from the outside. Next to the palace are the old palace, as well as St. John's cathedral, the main church of Cyprus, constructed in 1662 on the site of a former Benedictine monastery. On the palace grounds are also the Byzantine museum and the National Struggle museum.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
05Neighborhoods · DAY 2 IDEA
Nicosia urban area · transfer from Stróvolos
Faneromeni Square
An important historical square dating from Venetian times, and until 1974 considered the heart of the city. Faneromeni square is surrounded by historical buildings and monuments such as the Faneromeni Church, Faneromeni School, Faneromeni Library, and the Marble Mausoleum.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
