Nicosia (Lefkosia) South Side: Churches, Mansions & Venetian Walls
During our stay in Nicosia, we wandered through the south side of the city (Lefkosía, the Greek name for Nicosia), and it was a proper little adventure. Winding streets, Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, Venetian walls, and modern squares, all packed into a compact city centre. Nicosia is the last divided capital in the world, and walking through its streets you can really feel the layers of history and the city’s complex story. Strolling at our own pace, we discovered corners both bustling and serene, and it left us wanting to explore even more.
⏱️ Nicosia Walking Route
Route: Laiki Geitonia > Ömeriye Mosque > Apostle Barnabas > Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion > Ayios Antonios Church > Liberty Monument > Old Aqueduct > Famagusta Gate > Orpheas Football Pitch (view from road) > Agios Kassianos Church > Holy Church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa > Nicosia Town Hall & Archaeological Ruins > Ledra Street Border Crossing > Paphos Gate > Eleftheria Square (walked outside walls past tennis courts)
Style: Loop, mostly flat with some cobbled streets
Good for: First-time visitors, history lovers, couples exploring together
🏛️ Laiki Geitonia (00:00–00:10)
We began in Laiki Geitonia, a restored traditional quarter with narrow lanes and charming old houses. The Tourist Info staff were incredibly helpful, sketching out the route for us given some construction in the city. Even with detours, it felt like stepping back in time.
🕌 Ömeriye Mosque (00:10–00:20)
Next, we visited Ömeriye Mosque. Originally a 16th-century Augustinian church, it became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1570. Its minaret and peaceful courtyard are iconic, and standing there really gave us a sense of Nicosia’s layered history.
⛪ Apostle Barnabas / Agios Barnabas Church (00:20–00:30)
A short walk brought us to this church, dedicated to one of the island’s patron saints. The stonework and quiet interior were lovely, and we lingered a few moments soaking up the calm atmosphere.
🏛️ Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion (00:30–00:45)
The mansion was under renovation during our visit, so we glimpsed it from outside. Built in 1793 for the Dragoman of the Turkish Cypriot community, the façade alone is impressive — intricate woodwork and carved details hint at the grandeur within.
⛪ Ayios Antonios Church (00:45–00:50)
This small church is simple yet elegant, tucked away in a quiet lane. The courtyard offered a moment of pause from the busier streets around us.
🏙️ Liberty Monument (00:50–01:00)
We came across the Liberty Monument, commemorating Cyprus’ independence. Set against the backdrop of the old Venetian walls, it’s striking — a reminder of the country’s modern history layered atop centuries of the past.
🏛️ Old Aqueduct (01:00–01:05)
Just a few minutes’ walk away, the remains of the aqueduct were fascinating. Once a vital part of the city’s water supply, the stone arches are a quiet echo of Nicosia’s urban history.
🏰 Famagusta Gate (01:05–01:10)
One of the Venetian gates of the city, the 16th-century stonework is beautifully preserved. Walking around it, you can almost picture traders and soldiers passing through centuries ago.
⚽ Orpheas Football Pitch (01:10–01:15)
From the road, we spotted the Orpheas Football Pitch. Seeing a slice of modern city life framed by ancient walls was strangely charming — a little peek at everyday Nicosians in action.
⛪ Agios Kassianos Church & Holy Church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa (01:15–01:30)
Two historic churches in succession. Agios Kassianos is modest but welcoming, while Chrysaliniotissa, the oldest Byzantine church in Nicosia, dazzled us with its frescoes and history.
🏛️ Nicosia Town Hall & Archaeological Ruins (01:30–01:40)
We paused at the Town Hall and the surrounding ruins. Foundations, stone walls, and old streets beneath our feet offered a tangible sense of the city’s layered past.
🏙️ Ledra Street Border Crossing (01:40–01:50)
Ledra Street buzzes with shops, cafes, and visitors. The border crossing is a photo-worthy moment, illustrating the city’s division in a strikingly visible way.
🏛️ Paphos Gate (01:50–01:55)
Another of the Venetian gates, this one is smaller but equally atmospheric. We paused briefly to admire the stonework and imagine the city centuries ago.
🏙️ Eleftheria Square (01:55–02:00)
We ended the walk at Eleftheria Square, approaching it outside the walls and passing the tennis courts. The modern square contrasts beautifully with the city’s ancient walls, a fitting finale to a walk that spanned centuries of history.
📸 Best Selfie Spots
Ledra Street Border Crossing – iconic checkpoint backdrop
Liberty Monument – striking with old walls behind
Famagusta Gate – dramatic Venetian architecture
Chrysaliniotissa Church – historic Byzantine details
💡 Pro Tips
Wear comfortable shoes — cobbles and uneven streets are everywhere
Bring a camera for hidden corners, walls, and gates
Modest dress is appreciated inside churches and mosques
Start early to enjoy quieter streets and softer light for photos
🕰 More to See If You Have a Full Day
Leventis Municipal Museum – brilliant for learning about Nicosia from ancient times to today
Cyprus Museum – main archaeological museum with fascinating artefacts
Shacolas Tower – panoramic views over both sides of the city
Municipal Gardens – a leafy escape from the streets
If passports allow, explore the northern side of Nicosia
Final Thoughts
Our walk gave us a proper feel for Nicosia’s south side — Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, Venetian gates, and lively modern squares. Compact, charming, and full of character, it left us wanting to explore even more corners of the city, ideally with a coffee in hand next time.
