Page 60 iGap travelguide 2023
P. 60
iGap Travel Guide
A P E R F EC T H A R M O N Y O F C U LT U R E,
H I S TORY A N D MOD E R N CI T Y L I V I N G
What Nicosia lacks in ‘sea and sand’ it more than
makes up for in extraordinary experiences that can’t
be found anywhere else. Nicosia is the last divided
capital in the world – half of it belongs to the Republic
of Cyprus, while the other half has been taken by the
self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The moment you arrive in the centre of this wonderful
city, the Venetian Walls make themselves known
and emphasise that Nicosia has a rich and somewhat
complex story to tell.
This culture-fuelled destination is a magnet for history
buffs, who enjoy crossing the borders to absorb and
NICOSIA
learn about the tumultuous history of the city and
experience the very different – yet very similar – traits
and mentality of the Greek Cypriots and Turkish
Cypriots. After a quick passport check, tourists and
locals are able to walk through the buffer zone in Ledra
Street and experience a whole different side to modern
Nicosia. Here you’ll find a bustling marketplace with
friendly shopkeepers selling anything from handmade
soaps to handbags, as well as delicious, affordable
food and refreshing Efes beer. The picture-perfect
Büyük Han, which is the largest caravansarai on the
island built by the Ottomans in 1572, is a stone’s throw
away from the marketplace. Here, visitors can browse
60
A P E R F EC T H A R M O N Y O F C U LT U R E,
H I S TORY A N D MOD E R N CI T Y L I V I N G
What Nicosia lacks in ‘sea and sand’ it more than
makes up for in extraordinary experiences that can’t
be found anywhere else. Nicosia is the last divided
capital in the world – half of it belongs to the Republic
of Cyprus, while the other half has been taken by the
self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The moment you arrive in the centre of this wonderful
city, the Venetian Walls make themselves known
and emphasise that Nicosia has a rich and somewhat
complex story to tell.
This culture-fuelled destination is a magnet for history
buffs, who enjoy crossing the borders to absorb and
NICOSIA
learn about the tumultuous history of the city and
experience the very different – yet very similar – traits
and mentality of the Greek Cypriots and Turkish
Cypriots. After a quick passport check, tourists and
locals are able to walk through the buffer zone in Ledra
Street and experience a whole different side to modern
Nicosia. Here you’ll find a bustling marketplace with
friendly shopkeepers selling anything from handmade
soaps to handbags, as well as delicious, affordable
food and refreshing Efes beer. The picture-perfect
Büyük Han, which is the largest caravansarai on the
island built by the Ottomans in 1572, is a stone’s throw
away from the marketplace. Here, visitors can browse
60
