North Cyprus History

22 November, 2009
Antiphonitis

Antiphonitis Monastery

Hidden away in a wooded valley approximately 4 miles (6.5km) from the village of Esentepe is the 12th C church of Antiphonitis, (Christ of the Echo). It is not difficult to find, just follow the signs from Esentepe village centre, […]
3 December, 2009
Guzelyurt

Guzelyurt

Head west from Kyrenia and follow the coastal route, and you will travel through miles of unspoilt countryside before reaching the town of Guzelyurt in the centre of the citrus growing area. The name Guzelyurt means “Beautiful Place”, it is […]
25 October, 2009

Palace of the Provveditore

The Venetians, wishing to make their own mark on the palace changed the façade of the entrance, extending it outwards, building basket arches and incorporating massive granite pillars imported from the ruined city of Salamis. Over the central arch are […]
25 October, 2009

Church of the Franciscans

On the north side of the palace lie the remains of the Franciscan church dating from early to mid 13th Century. There is little left intact, but it is an interesting example of ecclesiastical architecture. There is a very old, […]
26 October, 2009
Haydar

Haydar Pasha Mosque (Church of St Catherine)

This 14th Century church built during the Lusignan period is, after the Selimiye mosque, the most impressive and beautiful piece of Gothic architecture left standing in Nicosia. It is a single aisle structure, elegantly understated in the simplicity of its […]
25 October, 2009

The Selimiye Mosque (Cathedral of St. Sophia)

The Selimiye Mosque (Cathedral of St. Sophia) | Famagusta The name Sophia means “divine wisdom” and this great Gothic building erected during the Lusignan period was to be the most important church on the island. The foundation stone was laid […]
25 October, 2009

Folk Art Museum

Folk Art Museum | Kyrenia The main entrance to the Folk Art Museum is from the harbour. Formerly a granary or carob store it was owned by Lady Loch, a well known Cyprus benefactor, and donated to the Antiquities department […]
25 October, 2009

The Sultan’s Library

Sultan’s Library | Nicosia At the eastern end of the Selimiye mosque, there is a paved pedestrian area where the Sultan’s Library is to be found. It is a square unprepossessing building with a domed roof and most of the […]
25 October, 2009

Othello’s Tower

The fortress that guards the harbour and is now called Othello’s Tower, was built during the Lusignan period in the 14th C, and it may well have been a residence for members of the royal family or their entourage during […]
26 October, 2009
the eaved house lefkosa

The Eaved House

This house is to be found in the street heading south from the pedestrian precinct behind the Sultan’s Library. It is a restored building that is now used as a cultural centre and exhibition hall. There are long galleries where […]