Nicosia Attractions Modern Nicosia is a cheerfully rambling sprawl that surrounds a much more picturesque inner core ringed by impressive fortifications. However, unlike many historic town centres, this carefully preserved medieval gem is still very much a living town, its streets bustling with shops, bars, restaurants and local colour. Pockets of recently restored buildings such as the Archbishop's Palace and musuems reveal a glorious Byzantine past and are well worth a look. The southern part of the city is divided from the Turkish occupied North along a line between the Pafos Gate and Flatro (or Sibelli) Bastion. The walled city is easy to explore on foot but can be a nightmare by car so it is best to park your car at the Tripoli Bastion car park which is just south of Pafos Gate. Nicosia is also known as Lefkosia in Greek and Lefkosa in Turkish Crossing from the southern Nicosia to northern Nicosia is possible for a day trip, but overnight stays are forbidden Medieval Walls The ramparts are strengthened by 11 triangular bastions, five of which are in the southern part of Nicosia Pafos Gate This gate is only 10m (30 ft) from the Turkish zone. Inside, the Church of the Holy Cross stradles the border and its rear door (which lies within the northern zone) is always sealed closed. Ledra lookout point For a panoramic view of the walled city head for the lookout point on the 11th floor of the Shakolas Building. This lookout is open 10am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturdy and costs CY£0.50 Laiki Geitonia This section of the walled city has been restored into a pedestrianised area with cafes and craft shops. It makes a pleasant place to stop and rest your feet during a tour of the rest of the old town. Agios Trypiotis Built by Archbishop Germanos II in 1695, this church is a well preserved example of the Franco-Byzantine style, merging influences from eastern and western architecture. This church is open 9am until 5pm daily and admission is free. House of Dragoman Hadjigeorgiakis Kornesios Inside the former home of the dragoman (a mediator between Greeks and Turks) is one room furnished as it would have been in the 18th century. Open 8.30am - 3.30pm Mon to Fri. Admission costs CY£0.75. Byzantine Art Museum Pride of place in the museum is given to the Kanakaria mosaics. Dating from the 6th century, these early Christian works illustrate saints and the Apostles. The museum is open 9am - 4.30pm Mon to Fri and 9am - 1pm Sat. Admission is CY£1.00 Archbishop's Palace Built in 1960, the "new" Archbishop's Palace mimic the Byzantine style of its predecessor. It houses the Ethnographic Museum. Podocataro Bastion & Liberty Monument One of the walled city's enclaves of greenery surrounds the bombastic monument celebrating independence from Britain, unveiled in 1973. Famagusta Gate The Famagusta Gate has been restored and now houses the city's Municipal Cultural Centre, with a changing schedule of exhibitions. History The site on which Nicosia stands was occupied as early as the 3rd century BC and was later settled by Romans, Byzantines and Knights Templar. As the capital of the Lusignams dynasty it was one of the opulent cities in Christendom. After the Ottoman conquest of 1570, its importance declined, although it continued to be the seat of Turkish governors. In 1974 the city was divided between north and south.