Kasteliotissa

Nicosia (Lefkosia)


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 historians theorise that it may have been used as a garrison for Venetian troops guarding the fortified walls. During the Ottoman period the building was utilised as a weapons arsenal and in the mid-19th century as a flour mill. Restored in the 1990s, today it's used to stage occasional cultural events; it's otherwise closed to the public.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nicosia (Lefkosia) attractions

1. Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum

0.08 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 …

2. Armenian Church & Nunnery

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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…

3. Arabahmet Quarter

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This neighbourhood rubbing up against the Green Line is home to well-preserved examples of Ottoman-era town-house architecture. The narrow alleyways are…

4. Cyprus Museum

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

5. Municipal Gardens

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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. Dervish Pasha Mansion

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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…

7. Ledra Information Bureau

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

8. Shacolas Tower Observatory

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Shacolas Tower Observatory provides a superb vantage point across the city and the mountain range beyond. Boards below each window point out and provide…