The capital of Cyprus is a museum of history and a modern city of two states

Cyprus is famous for its beautiful beaches and comfortable conditions for recreation. Even more the island is interesting with its rich history and many preserved sights. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, founded in the eighth century BC. In ancient times it was an independent state, then it turned into a village. In the tenth century, the city began to regain its former power, in order to become the political center of the kingdom in two centuries.

The capital of Cyprus is a white city

This city - the only major settlement, located not on the coast, but in the central part of the island. The capital has several names: official - Nicosia, but the Greeks prefer to call it Lefkosia ("White City"), and the Turks living in its northern part - Lefkosa. The very first name of the city was Ledra, but after almost complete destruction it was rebuilt anew and became Lefkonom, from which Lefkosia subsequently came.

The island survived many eras and rulers, among which were the Venetians, Turks, Brits. Only in the sixtieth year of the last century he received the long-awaited independence. The culture of Cyprus and its capital was influenced by Christianity, Catholicism and Islam.

The most memorable monument of architecture of Nicosia are the Venetian walls surrounding the central part of the city. Built in the XVI century with a defensive purpose, they are perfectly preserved and replenished with many of the sights of Cyprus, remaining from earlier times. The walls were built gates, the most famous of which today is Famagusta. They are located in the capital, and not in the homonymous city, now located on the territory of the Turkish community.

One of the monuments of modernity in the territory of Nicosia is the residence of Archbishop Makarios the Third, a man who took an honorable position at a rather early age and became the first president of an independent republic. For visitors this place is interesting by the Art Gallery located in the palace.

Those who are fond of the history of technology, it will be interesting to visit the museum of motorcycles.

Nicosia, which is natural for the capital, is the cultural and economic center of the city, there are a lot of restaurants, shops, museums and galleries. A characteristic feature of the city is that it belongs to two states: the Independent Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The capital of Cyprus and the military conflict with Turkey

Unfortunately, military conflicts have not bypassed Cyprus, and the most recent one is still fresh in memory, and it can not be considered fully completed.

In 1974, Turkey, under the pretext of resolving the conflict between the communities, caused a number of air strikes, introduced troops to the island and occupied its northern part. The Greeks were evacuated from the territory occupied by the enemy. The capital of Cyprus was divided in two by a green line, which indicated a cease-fire and became the boundary between the territories. Today, the northern part of the island is partly recognized by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Since both sides are interested in the influx of tourists, tourists can cross the green line without any problems, passing along the central street of the city, but at the same time a passport is needed. Since the prices in the northern part of Cyprus are noticeably lower than in the southern part, the export of goods from there is limited.

The Turkish part of the island, despite the external circumstances, attracts travelers. The natural conditions of this territory are considered even more attractive than Greek. Tours to northern Cyprus until recently seemed like entertainment for lovers of extreme recreation, who want to see the fenced area Varosha - Famagusta district, which until 1974 was the center of the island's tourism, and now called the "Dead City", which the conflicting communities can not divide for almost forty years .

Today, when the parties gradually open borders, the possibility of rest in the Turkish part of the island no longer seems unbelievable. Resort towns, such as Kyrenia and Famagusta with their beautiful beaches and new hotels, are not too spoiled by the attention of tourists, welcome guests. From the cognitive point of view, northern Cyprus is no less interesting than the southern one.