Cyprus.com

Facts about Cyprus

Area:	9,251 sq km
Capital:	Nicosia
Language:	Greek, Turkish
Currency:	Euro
	Turkish Lira
Population:	784,301
Coastline:	648 sq km

Home > Going Out > Historical Places

Historical Places in Cyprus

Nicosia (North) Historical Places

There are so many historical places of interest to visit in Cyprus. This was bound to be so since the island is located in the centre of the ancient world which is known as the cradle of western civilization. Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and is full of fascinating historical places. The walls ring the old city of Nicosia, with a three and a half mile circuit; contain 11 bastions and 3 gates. Today the walls remain virtually intact and it is possible to walk part of the perimeter. Nicosia contains many interesting museums and mosques which you can visit. Some containing Cypriot pottery, terracotta, clay, stone sculptures, bronze and jewellery.

Nicosia (South) Historical Places

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, has many historical places to visit. There is the Famagusta Gate, which is one of the entrances to the city through the city walls. You can also visit the Folk Art Museum and the Byzantine Museum and Art Galleries.

Famagusta Historical Places

The old city of Famagusta is encircled by the historical walls which date back to mediaeval times. The walls have stayed intact to this day and are well preserved reminding us Cyprus History. Two of the original gates of the Famagusta castle still stand: The Sea Gate and The Land Gate. Kantara Castle is magnificently placed astride the near east end of the Five-Finger Mountain. It is well preserved to show the quality of its architecture and the remarkable bastions that flank the entrance. The castle was built by the Byzantines and dates back to the 11th century. There are many other historical places to visit in Famagusta including museums, churches, castles and mosques.

Guzelyurt Historical Places

In Guzelyurt there is the Guzelyurt Museum. The museum houses a collection ranging from the prehistoric age of Cyprus to the Byzantine period. St. Mamas Monastery, also in Guzelyurt, dates back to the 18th century and contains art going back to the 16th century. When in Lefke you can visit Soli and Vouni Palace. The Vouni Palace was constructed in the 5th century by the Persian sympathizer Doxandros, the king of the city of Marion, to keep the settlements supporting the Greeks (Soli) under control.

Kyrenia Historical Places

Kyrenia is a fascinating town on the Northern coast of Cyprus, founded by the Myceans ca.1600 BC. Kyrenia is famous for its magnificent harbor and nearby castle. The Kyrenia castle in Cyprus is thought to have been constructed to protect the town against the Arab raids in the 7th century. The Shipwreck Museum, located within the castle, houses the oldest recovered shipwreck in history. There is also The Bellapais Monastery and St. Hilarion Castle, built to defend the island against the Arab raids. Kyrenia houses many interesting museums which you can visit including The Folk Arts Museum and The Icon Museum. Other places of historical interest in the Kyrenia area are: The Anthipanitis Church, The Buffavento Castle and the Hz. Omer Tomb.

Paphos Historical Places

There are many historical places of interest to visit whilst in Paphos such as The Tombs of the Kings which can be found just outside of the town. There is also Paphos Odeon, a second century Odeon built out of limestone which is still used for performances.