Arabahmet Quarter

Top choice in North Nicosia (Lefkoşa)


This neighbourhood rubbing up against the Green Line is home to well-preserved examples of Ottoman-era town-house architecture. The narrow alleyways are rimmed by tall whitewashed houses – some recently restored, others sinking into genteel dilapidation – with painted shutters and upper-storey overhanging cumbas (bay windows). Note the skinny balconies (not a common feature in Ottoman architecture) and carved crosses across front-door lintels on some houses; Arabahmet was the Armenian quarter of Nicosia until 1963 when the Green Line was drawn through the city.

The entire area is imbued with a heady sense of yesteryear and is one of North Nicosia's most interesting neighbourhoods to stroll through.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby North Nicosia (Lefkoşa) attractions

1. Armenian Church & Nunnery

0.04 MILES

This church and nunnery is first thought to have been established in the 13th century as the Abbey of Our Lady of Tyre, and was handed over to the island…

2. Dervish Pasha Mansion

0.1 MILES

This small ethnographic museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion. Built in 1807, it belonged to wealthy a Turkish Cypriot, Derviş Paşa, who published…

3. Kasteliotissa

0.14 MILES

Opposite Pafos Gate, this medieval-era vaulted hall is thought to have been built in the 14th century. Its original function has never been confirmed but…

4. Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum

0.16 MILES

The owner of this private museum is more than happy to chat extensively about his 150-plus bike collection. It may just bring out your inner Hell’s Angel …

5. Municipal Gardens

0.24 MILES

A pleasant park located right on the edge of the Old City, with a large children’s playground, ponds and water features, plus plenty of mature shady trees…

6. Ledra Information Bureau

0.26 MILES

At the Ledra St crossing, this municipal office has multilingual leaflets about the city and hosts regular photographic and other exhibitions, generally…

7. Cyprus Museum

0.26 MILES

Just outside the Old City walls, this excellent museum houses the island's most important collection of archaeological finds. Highlights include Hall 11's…

8. Colonial Law Courts

0.26 MILES

This finely preserved example of colonial architecture was built during British rule in 1901. Today it carries on with its original function as the North…