The name literally translates into Great Inn. The building is one of the most important bits of Ottoman architecture in Cyprus. For most of its history it was a caravanserai, but when the British took over in the latter 19th century, it was temporarily used as a prison. 1893 onwards it was once again used as a residence for the poor and underprivileged. It took a lot of damage over the next century, but a restoration project beginning in 1992 and taking 10 years finally opened the place to visitors. Now there are number of cafes and restaurants and shops serving up a lot of traditional dishes and handicrafts to visitors; it’s like a mini-souk only more civilised. Sometimes there is local theatre and dance too; this is the folk heart of Nicosia.

• Sabor

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