Historical Places You Must See in Cyprus

North Cyprus is not just about sun, sand, and sea; it’s also an island full of history, offering a unique adventure. The pearl of the Mediterranean, Cyprus welcomes millions of tourists year-round, promising unforgettable memories and discoveries.

Located at the heart of the island, Nicosia boasts a rich history, culture, and heritage. It serves as the meeting point of two different cultures, not only as the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus but also of the Greek Cypriot sector. While wandering through its narrow streets, you’ll encounter traces from the Ottoman, Byzantine, and British periods.

The historical structures of Nicosia bear the marks of time and civilizations. From the castle to museums, mosques to churches, every corner narrates the rich history once lived on these lands. Iconic structures like the Selimiye Mosque, Great Inn, and Nicosia Walls are prominent points that carry the enchantment of the past into the present.

However, Nicosia is not only about history but also vibrant culture. Its colorful markets, traditional handicrafts, and delicious Cypriot cuisine offer visitors a unique experience.

After historical and cultural explorations, you can turn to the various beaches and natural beauties of North Cyprus to enjoy the magnificent nature. While swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, you can also take nature walks accompanied by breathtaking mountain views. And at the end of the day, you can pamper yourself with Nicosia’s lively nightlife. The city’s bars, restaurants, and nightclubs await to offer you an unforgettable evening.

In short, North Cyprus offers an experience tailored to every taste and interest. With its unique history, rich culture, and breathtaking nature, there’s so much to explore on this magnificent island.

The Great Han

It’s an impressive structure that has been the center of history and trade in the heart of Nicosia for centuries. Proudly rising on the historic Asmaaltı Street in the city center, this inn is an important symbol reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. Bearing traces of the Ottoman Period, the Great Inn was built in 1572 by the governor of the Ottoman Empire, Muzaffer Pasha. Holding the title of the largest inn on the island, this building is open to the public today with its 68 rooms and elegant mosque. The shops lining its inner courtyard create a vibrant market atmosphere, offering handicrafts and traditional products.

The Great Inn also serves visitors with its cafeterias and restaurants open at all hours of the day. You can taste traditional Cypriot flavors and relax while soaking in the historical atmosphere of the inn. Open every day of the week from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening, the Great Inn opens a window to the rich history of Nicosia. Here, you can experience a unique blend of past and present, adding a fresh breath to your memories.

Arasta Street

It’s one of the streets that best reflects the breathtaking atmosphere and rich cultural heritage of Nicosia. Proudly located in the city center, just south of the Great Inn, it offers visitors a unique shopping and exploration experience. This historic street maintains its vibrancy and liveliness from the early hours of the morning until late at night. Being closed to vehicle traffic allows you to explore it comfortably and enjoy the atmosphere as you stroll along the street.

Arasta Street offers a wide range of options to meet all your shopping needs. From jewelers to shops selling traditional handicrafts, there are various alternatives available. The shops here are full of handmade products by local artisans and unique souvenirs. Designed in a traditional style, the open-air bazaar of Arasta Street is a magnet for anyone who wants to experience the history and culture of Nicosia up close.

Bedesten

It’s a historic building located in the town center of Nicosia, and there are various options available to reach this fascinating venue, including taxi, private car, or walking. One of the significant historical structures in the region, Bedesten, was originally built as the St. Nicolas Church. Dating back to the 1400s, this building features Gothic-style architecture. After the capture of Cyprus by the Lusignans, it was decorated with various embellishments without suffering any damage and was handed over to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis during the Venetian period.

Following the Ottoman rule in Cyprus, this structure was converted into a bedesten. Initially used as a covered market, Bedesten now hosts cultural and artistic events at certain times. Visits to this historic site offer an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Nicosia.

The Lusignan House

An important structure shedding light on the history of Nicosia, the Lusignan House represents a legacy from the period of Lusignan rule in the region. Located on Yeni Cami Sokak, this house is conveniently situated close to the city center and can be easily reached on foot or by taxi. Dating back to the 1500s, this building is notable for its Gothic-style architecture, with particularly striking motifs on the arches at the entrance. The Lusignan House carries traces of every civilization that has held sway in the region, notably bearing significant marks from the Ottoman period. This historic residence offers visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of Nicosia.

The Mevlevi Tekke Museum

One of the significant historical structures in Nicosia, the Mevlevi Tekke Museum is located on Girne Street. The museum can be reached by taxi, local minibusses, or on foot. Originally used as a tekke during the Ottoman period, this building now serves as a museum. Dating back to the 1700s, the structure houses various sections such as dervish chambers, a kitchen, a semahane where the whirling dervish ceremonies were performed, and guest rooms. Converted into a museum in 1954, the building also provided education on religious and positive sciences. In addition to traces of the sema ceremonies, the Mevlevi Tekke Museum displays various tools, equipment, clothing, and other artifacts for visitors. It serves as an important stop for those wishing to explore the historical and cultural richness of Nicosia.

The Cyprus Car Museum

Located on the Near East Boulevard in Nicosia, the Cyprus Car Museum is an intriguing spot to explore, easily accessible by taxi, private vehicle, minibus, or on foot. The museum houses a collection showcasing over 60 classic and sports cars. These vehicles consist of rare automobiles rarely seen in everyday life. One of the most remarkable features of the museum is the display of the Crest Mobile, produced in 1899 and one of its kind in the world. This museum, appealing to car enthusiasts, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those passionate about automobiles.

Gamblers’ Inn

One of the structures that significantly contributes to the historical richness of Nicosia is the Kumarcılar Hanı (Gamblers’ Inn). Located on Agâh Efendi Sokak, this inn is easily accessible by private vehicle, taxi, minibus, or on foot. Dating back to the Ottoman period, this building initially served as a marketplace where wheat was sold. Archaeological research revealed foundations believed to belong to different civilizations at the site where the inn was constructed. Despite undergoing various damages over time, it has been rebuilt as an inn due to its solid foundations, preserving its historical essence for present-day visitors.

Derviş Paşa Mansion

Located in the Arap Ahmet neighborhood, is one of the significant historical structures in Nicosia. Accessible by private vehicle, taxi, or on foot, this magnificent two-story mansion features a lower level made of cut stone and an upper level constructed of adobe. Following extensive renovation efforts by the Department of Antiquities and Museums of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, this historical residence now serves as a museum for visitors. Inside the mansion, numerous traces of the island’s ancient history and daily life can be explored.

Alagadi Turtle Beach

Alagadi Turtle Beach is a renowned beach known for its natural beauty and sea turtles. It can be reached by following the Nicosia-Girne Highway, about an hour’s drive from Nicosia. Located within the boundaries of the Girne district, in the village of Gözübüyük, Alagadi Turtle Beach is an ideal destination for visitors, especially those interested in observing sea turtles. This beach, where turtles are protected, offers the opportunity to observe these rare creatures in their natural habitat. Additionally, you can enjoy the sun and sea on the pristine sands of the beach, making for a delightful day by the shore.

Girne Castle

Girne Castle is one of the symbolic structures of Northern Cyprus, situated in the harbor area of Girne city. It can be reached on foot from the city center, or by private vehicle following the Nicosia-Girne road from Nicosia. Additionally, you can reach the castle from Nicosia by taxi or Girne minibuses in just 10 minutes.

Built in the 7th century, Girne Castle was constructed to protect the city from threats coming from the sea. Throughout its history, it served as a crucial defense point against Arab raids and has become one of the significant historical landmarks of Northern Cyprus today. The castle houses many artifacts from the Venetian, Byzantine, English, and Ottoman periods. The dungeons and the 2,000-year-old Shipwreck Museum within the castle attract the interest of visitors. Moreover, you can also see historical structures around the castle such as the Venetian Tower, the Lusignan Tower, and the Church of St. George.

Maraş District (Ghost Town)

Located within the city center of Gazimağusa and is known as the “Ghost Town.” It is quite easy to reach Maraş from Gazimağusa on foot. To reach Maraş, which is 60 km away from Nicosia, you can follow the Gazimağusa – Nicosia road. Additionally, you can reach Maraş from Nicosia by taxi or Gazimağusa minibuses in just 45 minutes.

In the 1970s, Maraş District was known as a world-famous holiday resort and was visited by many famous Hollywood stars. However, it was closed after the 1974 Cyprus Operation, and Maraş District took on an abandoned appearance. The abandoned houses, cars, and business centers in Maraş can be clearly seen from nearby Palm Beach or Derinya Public Beach.

Salamis Ancient City

Located in the Yeni Boğaziçi region of Gazimağusa and is one of the popular cities of Northern Cyprus. The ancient city, which is 55 kilometers away from Nicosia, is easily accessible. You can reach the ancient city by following the Gazimağusa – Nicosia road and following the Yeni Boğaziçi signs in just 45 minutes. Additionally, you can reach the ancient city from Nicosia by taxi or minibuses departing every 20 minutes. Located 6 kilometers north of the central region of Gazimağusa, Salamis Ancient City is one of the oldest settlements in the region. Many structures of the ancient city, which dates back 2000 years, have been damaged due to natural disasters in the region.

When visiting Salamis Ancient City, you can see many structures such as the Salamis Ancient Theater, Salamis Gymnasium, Roman House, Byzantine Cistern, Basilica of Saint Epiphanios, Altar of Zeus, Catacomb Mass Graves, Monument of Nikokreon, and Agora.

Venetian Column

Located in the center of the capital city of Northern Cyprus, Nicosia. During your visit to Nicosia, you can see this important historical structure around Atatürk Square and easily reach the Venetian Column in the city center by foot.

Built during the Venetian rule of Cyprus in 1550, this structure has survived to the present day with almost no damage. There are six symbols of prominent Venetian families on the lower parts of the structure. Originally built in a different location, the column was later moved to the front of the Sarayönü Mosque and finally erected in the area now known as Atatürk Square by the British.

The Venetian Column, which you can visit anytime in the city center of Nicosia, is a wonderful stop for those who want to explore the history and culture of the city.

Bellapais Monastery

Located in the village of Beylerbeyi in Girne and is 24 kilometers away from the city center of Nicosia. To reach the monastery, you can follow the Nicosia-Girne road by private car and follow the signs for Beylerbeyi. Additionally, you can reach the area by taxi or minibuses departing every 20 minutes from the city center of Nicosia. Built in the Roman period in 1160, Bellapais Monastery is famous not only for its historical significance but also for its breathtaking views. While the north slope of the monastery overlooks the Mediterranean, the south slope offers a magnificent valley view.

Inside Bellapais Monastery, there is a concert hall where various events are held, a dining hall built in Gothic style, and many monk cells. The most well-preserved structure of the monastery that has reached to our day is the church, and the frescoes inside it date back to the 15th century. Visible from all parts of Girne, Bellapais Monastery is an indispensable stop for those who want to explore the rich cultural heritage of Girne.

Saint Hilarion Castle

Located 10 kilometers away from the city center of Girne and 30 kilometers from Nicosia. To reach the castle, you need to follow the Nicosia-Girne highway until you reach the Besparmak Mountains and then turn onto a small path on the right. Alternatively, you can also reach the castle by taxi. The castle sits at an altitude of approximately 700 meters above sea level and can be reached by climbing 480 steps from the ground level. Saint Hilarion Castle offers magnificent views of the island.

According to the information at the entrance of the castle, it was actively used in 1191, and it can be explored in three main sections. The upper section consists of two different peaks known as the “twins.” Additionally, access to the castle is provided by a bridge that opens and closes. In the eastern area, there is a domeless church. This impressive castle continues to enchant visitors with its historical and natural beauties.

Blue Pavilion

Located in the village of Çamlıbel, which is part of Girne, the Blue Pavilion is one of the tourist attractions of Cyprus. This magnificent pavilion is situated just 25 kilometers away from the city center of Girne, offering visitors a unique experience. Its distance to Nicosia is 33 kilometers, easily accessible by private car. Additionally, transportation is available via Çamlıbel minibuses. Owned by Paulo Paolides, an Italian-origin Greek Cypriot, the Blue Pavilion holds a significant place among the tourist stories of Cyprus. Mysteriously constructed, this mansion, belonging to Paolides, who was the lawyer of the then President of Cyprus, is a luxurious and ostentatious structure even from the outside. Seized during the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974, the Blue Pavilion has since been a subject of mystery and curiosity. Its exact purpose of construction remains unknown, but it is currently used for touristic activities. Inside, there is a large swimming pool, decorations belonging to Italian architecture, luxurious living rooms, and bedrooms.

The Blue Pavilion stands as one of the tourist attractions of Cyprus, offering visitors a unique experience. However, due to its location in a military zone, identification is required for entry. The luxurious details inside this impressive structure and its mysterious story provide visitors with unforgettable moments.

Icon Museum (Arkhangelos Mikhael Church)

Located very close to Girne Harbor, the Icon Museum is also known as the Arkhangelos Mikhael Church. The museum, situated 24 kilometers from the center of Northern Cyprus, is easily accessible by private car. You can reach the harbor area by following the road from Lefkoşa to Girne. Alternatively, you can also access the museum by taxi or Girne Harbor minibuses.

The Icon Museum, which visitors can reach on foot as well, was built in 1860 as an Orthodox church. Later, it began to be used as a museum to exhibit the icons discovered during archaeological excavations in Girne and its surroundings. The museum is housed in a 3-story building, and the icons are displayed in a chronological order. The bell tower next to the museum was built immediately after the church and provides an ideal vantage point to observe the surroundings of Girne. The Icon Museum stands out as an important stop for visitors curious about the history and cultural heritage of Girne.

Saint Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum

Located in the Tuzla region of Gazimağusa in Northern Cyprus, the Saint Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum is situated 52 kilometers from the city center, making it easily accessible. You can reach this historical site by following the Gazimağusa – Lefkoşa road eastward and then following the signs for Tuzla. Additionally, transportation is available from Lefkoşa by taxi or Gazimağusa minibuses, taking approximately 45 minutes.

Built in 477 AD, the Saint Barnabas Monastery is dedicated to Saint Barnabas, who was born in Salamis and was killed alongside Saint Paul due to their missionary activities. The monastery, one of the finest examples of medieval architecture, reflects the rich history and culture of Cyprus. Within its premises, the Icon Museum exhibits icons obtained from excavations conducted in Gazimağusa and its surroundings. This museum serves as an important stop for visitors eager to explore the historical and cultural heritage of the region. Together with other historical sites in Gazimağusa, the Saint Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum offer an ideal destination for those interested in discovering the rich history and culture of the island of Cyprus.

Othello Castle

Located in the Sur ici district, which is affiliated with Gazimağusa, Othello Castle is easily accessible despite being 60 kilometers away from the city center of Northern Cyprus. To reach this castle, you can follow the Gazimağusa – Lefkoşa road eastward until you reach the coast. Alternatively, transportation is available via taxi or Gazimağusa minibuses, which take approximately 45 minutes.

Built in the 14th century, Othello Castle was constructed to protect the region against potential attacks from the sea. After the Venetians seized Cyprus, the castle was surrounded by walls, and the notable lion statue within the castle stands out. The statue is attributed to a famous Venetian captain and symbolizes power both on land and at sea. Othello Castle is definitely among the historical sites that must be visited during a holiday in Northern Cyprus, serving as an important stop for visitors eager to explore the region’s historical and cultural richness.

Namık Kemal Dungeon and Museum

Located in the city center of Famagusta, is 59 kilometers away from Nicosia. You can reach the area by following the Famagusta-Nicosia road by private car or by taxi or Magosa minibuses in about 45 minutes.

The prison where Namık Kemal, one of the important figures of Turkish literature, was imprisoned and the museum where his works are exhibited stand out among the historical structures of Cyprus. The poet, who began his prison life in Famagusta, remained here for 38 months after the discussions started on his play “Vatan Yahut Silistre”. The dungeon bears the traces of the poet’s malaria and other chronic illnesses and is open to visitors. At the same time, many works and items belonging to Namık Kemal are exhibited here. Namık Kemal Dungeon and Museum provide valuable information about the life and works of an important figure in Turkish literature.

Ayios Thyrsos Church

Located in the New Erenköy Neighborhood of Gazimağusa. It can be reached from the city center of North Cyprus by following the Karpaz Highway northeast by private car or by taxi or New Erenköy minibuses. Among the intriguing historical structures, Ayios Thyrsos Church consists of a total of 3 different churches. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, these churches are named after Ayios Thrysos, who served as a bishop in the region. The most striking feature of the church is the holy water found in the underground room reached by stone steps. It is known that the pit surrounding this room was used in the treatment of many skin diseases. According to legend, removing the holy water from the church results in harm to the person. Ayios Thyrsos Church offers a unique experience to visitors who want to explore the religious and cultural heritage of Cyprus.

Haydarpaşa Mosque

Located in the city center of Lefkoşa, can be reached on foot. This historical structure was built as the St. Catherine Church by the Lusignans in the 14th century. Later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans and named Haydarpaşa, the building is one of the impressive examples of Gothic architecture. According to the renowned historian Sir Harry Luke, Haydarpaşa Mosque is one of the most elegant structures in Cyprus.

Kantara Castle

Located within the boundaries of Kaplıca Village, Kantara Castle is a region belonging to Gazimağusa and is 76 kilometers away from Lefkoşa. Access to this historical structure can be achieved by following the Gazimağusa – Lefkoşa Highway until the Kaplıca sign with a private vehicle. Additionally, you can reach the castle by taking Kaplıca minibuses from Gazimağusa Bus Terminal or by taxi.

Built by the Crusaders, Kantara Castle is among the rare structures where you can have a bird’s-eye view of Cyprus. Its impressive panorama and beautiful examples of medieval architecture attract tourists. Built in 965 AD, the castle has a height of 630 meters and is surrounded by many historical buildings. Especially during the winter months, the mountains of Lebanon across can be clearly seen.

Canbulat Museum

Located near the port of Gazimağusa, Canbulat Museum is situated 60 kilometers away from Lefkoşa. Access to the museum by private vehicle can be achieved by following the Gazimağusa – Lefkoşa Highway in the eastern direction. Alternatively, taxis or Gazimağusa minibuses provide easy access to the area.

Canbulat Museum displays many artifacts belonging to the Ottoman Empire, especially various equipment, documents, shields, weapons, and historical structures used in Ottoman naval expeditions. In addition to detailed information about the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans, the museum also exhibits ethnographic and archaeological artifacts. This museum conveys the rich history and culture of Cyprus during the Ottoman period to visitors.

National Struggle Museum

The National Struggle Museum is located on İstiklal Street in the city center of Lefkoşa and is within walking distance. Many artifacts, documents, weapons, photographs, the Turkish flag, and other significant artifacts used during the long-lasting Turkish National Struggle period in Cyprus are exhibited in this museum. Covering an area of 680 square meters, the National Struggle Museum was built in 1978 and opened to visitors on August 1, 1982. Visitors can explore a total of 4 sections, including the entrance hall. The museum was constructed to narrate the activities carried out by the Turkish people in Cyprus within the framework of the national struggle from 1878 to the present day and how these activities took place under what conditions. However, the museum is located within military zone boundaries.