The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is Europe's last divided capital. It is of many contrasts and the only inland city on the island. It houses the ministerial and administrative offices of the government as well as acting as a commercial and retail centre. With a population of roughly 210,000 the city is predominantly Cypriot.

The jewel in the capital's crown is the remains of the star-shaped 16th century Venetian sandstone fortress wall with a moat. Within the walls are a honeycomb of labyrinthine streets which have been pedestianised. Mosques and palm trees give an oriental atmosphere to the old city.

Today's Nicosia, is an intriguing mix of the old and the new, of narrow streets and bustling boulevards, shopping malls and original boutiques, local coffee shops and trendy espresso bars.

Hidden villages nestle magically amidst the city's urban web, some no more than a step away from the main thoroughfares.

Places of Interest

Laiki Yitonia - winding cobbled streets carefully restored to catch the tourist trade with its quaint shops and tavernas, plus artisans' galleries where you can watch the craftsmen at work.The Laiki Yitonia ? the Folk Neighbourhood ? has been renovated to preserve the atmosphere of the past. Traditional houses have been remodelled to their former urban architecture. It is a popular spot that is particularly pretty at night.

Famagusta Gate - originally the main entrance to the old city. The massive tunnel-like gate with its restored stone barrel vaults now provides a splendid venue for concerts, plays and exhibitions of art.

Archbishop's Palace - In the public wing of the palace is one of the finest museums on the island the Byzantine Museum, it houses a superb collection of icons from all over Cyprus.

Church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa - the oldest Byzantine church in Nicosia.

St. John's Cathedral - the walls and ceilings are covered in 18th century frescoes. All Cypriot Archbishops have been consecrated here since the end of the 18th century.

House of Hadjigeorgakis Konesios - (or Konak Mansion) a beautiful 18th century structure with a Gothic style doorway,overhanging and enclosed balcony. The house has been restored to something of its original glory with period furniture and carpets as well as the ornate stairway and its grand reception room.

Athalassa Park - Located on the outskirts of Nicosia. The park has over 20 km of cycling/walking track amidst its 500 different species of trees, herbs and shrubs. A lake takes up a large part of the park, regularly visited by ducks and other migratory birds, and there is also a wooden picnic and play area.

BEST DAY TRIP FROM NICOSIA: Phikardou -is considered to be one of the most important surviving traditional settlements on the island and provides a fascinating insight into village life as it was experienced until just a few decades ago. The drive is is through rolling, unspoilt countryside about half an hour from Nicosia.

Monastry of Agios Irakleidios - is now in the hands of nuns and houses the remains of the first bishop of Tamassos who guided Paul and Barnabas on their mission to Cyprus.

Machairas - The views from here are breathtaking.

MUSEUMS Cyprus Museum- Houses the best collection of archaeological artefacts on the island.

Leventis Municipal Museum - The first historical museum of Cyprus.

Makarios III Cultural Foundation - The complex consists of three main exhibit areas, The Byzantine Art Museum, The European Art Gallery and The Greek Independence Gallery.

Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage- This unique and impressive collection of Cypriot coins traces the development of Cypriot coinage from the 6th century BC to modern times.

WHERE TO EAT Nicosia is not a prime tourist destination so it has very few low-quality restaurants, dining is usually a very pleasant affair. Cypriots are fond of Asian and International cuisines so there is a wide array of restaurants available but do also try the local food,itis very well presented.

NIGHTLIFE Nicosia has a surplus of stylish pubs, bars and cafes, most of them sleek and modern, each place attracts its own set of regular customers and many also cater for food.

Nicosia's night life gets going fairly late, around 11 pm or midnight, and doesn't wind down till the wee hours of the morning.

SHOPPING In Cyprus, you can happily shop till you drop and the capital is the place for smart, fashionable boutiques and on a more traditional note there are plentiful shops selling local crafts, such as lace and ceramics.

However if it's for an upmarket trend, there are three main streets in Nicosia to explore: Ledra Street, Makarios Avenue and its parallel streetStasicratou.

OPEN AIR MARKETS Dozens of Cypriot farmers flock to Nicosia every Wednesday and Saturday to sell not only their fruit and vegetables but also eggs,homemade halloumi (special local cheese),lounza (smoked ham soaked in red wine), loukanika (local sausages steeped in red wine and flavoured with spices), delicious bread baked in wood-fired ovens and a homemade spirit called zivania.