10th Route
Point of Interest
The capital of Cyprus is known for its unique history, mainly in old city, which is surrounded be the old Venetian Walls, built by the Venetians during the period they dominated the island in the early 16th century (1567) and were constructed to protect against the impending Ottoman siege. For the entrance through the Venetian Walls of Nicosia, 3 gates were built, the Paphos Gate, the Kyrenia Gate and the Famagusta Gate which was the largest and most imposing of the other two, and a magnificent monument for travelers to visit.
This historic route consists some of the oldest parts of the island, great museums and monuments, where the coexistence of Eastern and European air gives Nicosia its own unique identity.
It should be noted that the city of Nicosia offers many and unique places for coffee and food that you can choose to relax during your walk!
1st Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus
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Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus Source : Visit Cyprus
The Archbishop’s Palace is the seat of the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus and was built between 1950 and 1960 in the Neo-Byzantine style.
In the new building of the Archdiocese, which is an extension of the old one, all the services of the Church of Cyprus are offered, such as marriage and baptism licenses, but it is also the home of the respective Archbishop in the old part of the Palace.
The historical building of the Archdiocese is a landmark in old Nicosia. Also, many of the unpleasant events of 1974 took place in this building, such as the attempted assassination of the archbishop and first President of Cyprus Makarios III with the bullets on the wall still visible today.
Today it is completely renovated, and visitors can admire the statue of Archbishop Makarios III and the historical cars located in the courtyard of the Archdiocese.
Information:
Phone number: +357 22 554 600
Entrance fee: Free
1st Cathedral of Agios Ioannis the Theologian (Saint John’s Cathedral)
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Cathedral of Agios Ioannis the Theologian (Saint John’s Cathedral) Source: Visit Cyprus
The Cathedral of Agios Ioannis was built in 1662 and is known as Agios Ioannis Pipis.
According to historical evidence, the first church was the catholicon of an non orthodox brotherhood, either as Benedictine monks or Syro-Orthodox brotherhood. In the 17th century passed into Orthodox occupation where the current church was built on the ruins of the oldest church.
The magnificent frescoes inside the cathedral date back to the 18th century and depict scenes from the Bible. Historical icons of Ioannis Kornaros are also can be found and be admired in the cathedral.
Information:
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00
Entrance Fee: Free
2nd Church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa
Distance: 450 Metres
Duration: 5 Minutes. By foot
Church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa Source: Visit Cyprus
The church of Panagia Chrysalinniotissa is a historical church of the 15th century. It was built by the wife of the Frankish king John II, Helen Palaiologina, to serve the religious needs of the Orthodox population of Nicosia.Until today, it has received many interventions, aiming to resemble a Byzantine temple.
Information:
Operating Hours:
Summer Opening Hours: 7:30 – 12:45 and 16:00 – 18:30
Winter Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:30 – 12:40 and 14:00 – 17:00
3rd Church of Agios Kassianos
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Church of Agios Kassianos Source: Visit Cyprus
The Church of Agios Kassianos was built around the 19th century. Saint Cassian the Roman is among the leading figures of Orthodox asceticism and is considered the founder of monasticism in Western Europe. The most precious relic is the cap of Saint Cassian, which is considered to be miraculous.
The city of Nicosia is celebrating today, because it has within its old city the historic church of Saint Cassianus Roman, in the semi-occupied parish of the same name.
Information:
Operating Hours: Daily: 8:00-13:00
4th Church of Panagia Faneromeni
Distance: 1000 Metres
Duration: 13 Minutes. By foot
Church of Agios Kassianos Source: Visit Cyprus
The church of Panagia Faneromeni is a historical church, as it was built in 1872 and played a decisive role in the history of the island, especially during the revolutionary period 1955-1959. Historical images and relics are preserved in the church. Also, the area around the temple is a central hub for visitors, as it’s located in the center of old town of Nicosia.
Many coffee shops and traditional restaurants surround the church, in the most famous streets of the old town.
Information:
Operating Hours:
April – October : 06:30 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 20:00
November – March: 06:30 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 18:30
5th Church of Archangel Michael Trypioti
Distance: 250 Metres
Duration: 3 Minutes. By foot
Church of Archangel Michael Trypioti Source: Visit Cyprus
Located in one of the back streets Nicosia’s old town, just off Onosagorou Street, you will find the church of Archangel Trypiotis, which is one of the most important buildings of 1695 during the period of the Turkish occupation.
Built in 1695 during Ottoman rule by Archbishop Germanos II, this church is an excellent example of Franco-Byzantine architecture, with three naves and a dome that almost has the aspect of a square. Historical icons and relics from later centuries are preserved in the church, such as the holy table and the icons of the iconostasis.
It is said that the name of the church comes from the Greek word “tripa” which translate as opening. Legend has it that Archangel Michael had once saved a monastery and its inhabitants in a place called Colossae from pagans, who had diverted the flow of two nearby rivers to destroy the retreat. The Archangel struck the ground with his spear causing a crack to appear. All the water rushed into it and the monastery was saved.
Information:
Phone number: +357 22 775111
Operating Hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 4PM-6PM (Wednesday, Sat, Sun: Closed)