Nicosia

Nicosia (Lefkoşa) is the capital and largest city of Cyprus, set inland on the Mesaoria plain and divided by the UN-controlled Green Line. It is often described as the last divided capital in Europe, with Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities living on either side of a buffer zone that runs through the historic centre. The city's history stretches back to the Bronze Age and the ancient city-kingdom of Ledra. It became the island's capital under Byzantine rule around 965 and later served the Lusignan kings, the Venetians and the Ottomans. Its 16th-century Venetian walls, with eleven heart-shaped bastions and gates at Famagusta, Kyrenia and Paphos, remain the old city's defining feature. Inside them stand the Gothic former Cathedral of St Sophia, now Selimiye Mosque, the Ottoman-era Büyük Han and the Archbishop's Palace. Ledra Street is the best-known artery, a pedestrian shopping street that leads to a crossing between the two parts of the city. The restored Laiki Geitonia neighbourhood, the Cyprus Museum and the Leventis Municipal Museum sit within or near the walls, while modern districts such as Strovolos, Engomi and the Makarios Avenue area offer hotels, offices, shops and restaurants. As the seat of government and the island's administrative and financial centre, Nicosia is home to ministries, international companies, professional-services firms and universities, and it hosts conferences and business events throughout the year. Its food scene ranges from Cypriot meze, halloumi, souvlaki and kleftiko in traditional tavernas to cafés, wine bars and contemporary restaurants. For visitors, Nicosia offers a compact old town, unusual divided-city history and museums alongside a lively modern centre, making it relevant for both leisure travellers exploring Cyprus's interior and business travellers attending meetings and events in the capital.