Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in Nicosia

A trip to Nicosia cannot be complete without understanding its rich heritage. The art and cultural activities in Nicosia will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in Nicosia would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know Nicosia better. Include these in attractions in your itinerary for Nicosia and have a great vacation.

Check the list of top places for art and culture in Nicosia:

  1. Buyuk Han

    4.4 (319 Votes)
    Buyuk Han

    Landmark, Historical Site, Architecture

    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 cen...Read more
  2. Selimiye Mosque

    4.5 (335 Votes)
    Selimiye Mosque

    Mosque, Religious Site, Architecture

    Once the building was known as St. Sophia’s cathedral, but now, within the boundaries of the Turkish controlled portion of Nicosia, it’s the main mosque of the city. The building is the oldest surving Gothic church in the area, and what you see of the architecture today is only a shadow of what it used to be. There were once rich sculptural decorations, stained glass and frescoes an...Read more
  3. Byzantine Museum

    4 (296 Votes)
    Byzantine Museum

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Museum

    You have the Makarios Cultural Foundation to thank for this museum – a rich collection of Cypriot Byzantine Heritage, the richest such collection in the country. It’s small though, only 220 items or something but that’s more than enough considering how important all the pieces are. There are precious icons (mainly from the 12th century when the art was the most popular), Byzan...Read more
  4. A. G. Leventis Gallery

    4.6 (254 Votes)
    A. G. Leventis Gallery

    Art And Culture, Art Gallery, Exhibition

    This gallery is an unexpectedly delightful find for anyone who stumbles across it in Nicosia. It was founded by Anastasios G. Leventis, who’s quite the character. He contributed greatly to the war aid. His interest in art led him to help a lot to repatriate art stolen from Cyprus. Today, his gallery, managed by the foundation set up by him before his death, exhibits art from the three fol...Read more
  5. Famagusta Gate

    4 (128 Votes)
    Famagusta Gate

    Bar, Art And Culture, Restaurant, Neighborhoods

    Built by the Venetians in 1567, this was once the main point of entry into the city, heavily fortified and just wide enough for two carts to pass abreast. The façade facing the town is quite imposing with a great spherical dome of 11 metres in diameter. During the Ottoman period, only Turks were allowed through the gate. It used to be closed at sunset and opened during Sunrise. In 1980, ...Read more
  6. Panagia Asinou Church

    4.7 (61 Votes)
    Panagia Asinou Church

    Church, Religious Site

    20 km west from Nicosia, you’ll find this apparently utterly underwhelming looking church. Do not judge this book by its cover! Step inside, and you’ll be stunned by some of the most beautiful Byzantine-era paintings ever. The walls are completely frescoed. It is thought that the work here was done in 1105/6 by an artist from Constantinople. The murals on the narthex though were don...Read more
  7. Cyprus Folk Art Museum

    4.2 (211 Votes)
    Cyprus Folk Art Museum

    Art Museum, Architecture , Arts And Crafts

    The building that hosts the museum used to be a Gothic monastery. Architecturally, the main highlight is a beautifully frescoed gothic arch. Inside though, are many items of modern Cypriotic arts and handcrafts. Most of these items were donated to or acquired by the museum from areas that are currently under the rule of Turkish troops. This includes: Wood carvings Embroidery National costumes ...Read more
  8. Machairas Monastery

    4.7 (121 Votes)
    Machairas Monastery

    Church, Religious Site, Market, Architecture

    Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this monastery was founded in the 12th century. The legend of its founding is interesting: it’s said that when an unknown hermit stole a number of sacred icons away, he or she missed the icon of the Virgin. The icon was found much later by two monks, Neophytos and Ignatius, who macheted their way through plants into the cave where the icon was hidden. In Gree...Read more
  9. Archbishop Makarios Iii Cultural Foundation

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Church, Religious Site

    This place gives you a good insight into Cypriotic spirit! The main thing to see here is the Byzantine Museum – a large collection of images from all over Cyprus that show the nation’s development from the 9th through 19th centuries. Highlights include: Mosaics of the church of Panagia in Lythragkomi (525-530). Thirty six pieces of Christ Antifonitis church murals (15th century). A...Read more
  10. Church Of Archangelos Michail

    Church, Religious Site

    Dating back to the 15th century, Church of Archangelos Michail is a church that emanates age, art and beauty. Built in 1695, it is simplistic and showcases a blend of the architectural styles. You can observe the Franco-Byzantine style, as well as some Gothic influence. It is said that the current structure has taken the place of a Gothic church that used to once stand here. You will get to see...Read more