Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, a status it has enjoyed for over 1000 years since the 10^th century and is the only divided city in the world, a reluctant successor to Berlin.

Nicosia is Cyprus’ only inland city with excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment possibilities. It is also the home to all the government and diplomatic buildings.

The capital presents two distinct faces, that of the old original part of the city, surrounded by sturdy Venetian walls over 400 years old, and a busy modern metropolis which has a population of over 171,000.

Within the large area encircles by the strong bastion walls that served to protect the town for centuries are many places of great historical interest. Of particular noteis the Lace Adonai, (meaning Local neighbourhood). A pedestrian section which has been carefully renovated to evoke the atmosphere of the olden day city. Another fascinating restoration is the Famagusta Gate, originally the main entrance to the old city. Also inside the city wall at the end of the busy shopping line is the so-called "Green Line" the demarcation Line from the Northern part of Cyprus which is under Turkish occupation since the invasion by Turkey in 1974.

The Central Eleftheria square links Old Nicosia with the elegant modern city that has grown up outside the walls, where hotels, offices, restaurants and gardens blend happily with the fine old houses and colonial buildings of the cosmopolitan city.