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Nicosia (Lefkosa) NORTH CYPRUS
Lefkosa was known as Ledra in ancient times. It lies a little over 500 ft above sea level. Although the site was occupied from Bronze Age right through the days of the Romans, the city itself did not become important until the 13th Century Lusignan period. It is thought that the ancient city-state of Ledra was founded in 280 BC by Lefkos son of Ptolemy Soter. The old city of Ledra is 1500 m’s to the south of Nicosia today. Ledra was certainly prosperous; from the wealth of its inhabitants, the city could be compared with the fabled Antioch. This prosperity seems to have lasted until the city as sacked in 1426 during the Egyptian Mameluke invasion. Today it is a city of striking visual impact, with some buildings still remaining from the days of the Lusignans and with many periods of architectural styles which have flourished since that time. As with many medieval towns Lefkosa’s city walls make a great impression on visitors. The walls were constructed by the Venetians in just three years (1567-70) at the time when Venice was a very powerful state and Cyprus was one of its most prized possessions.
The Dervish Pasha Mansion
This two storied mansion is situated within the city walls of Lefkosa in the Arabahmet quarter which is rich with various antiquities and historical interest. It was build in the early 19th Century by Dervish Pasha and it is used as the Ethnographic Museum.
The Stone Work Museum (Lapidary Museum)
About 50 m’s east from Selimye Mosque you can find the Stone Work Museum. It is displayed in a 15th Century house built in the Venetian style. There are many fine examples of different kinds of stone work dating from the middle ages. The most remarkable object to be seen is the sarcophagus of the Dampierre family and 13th Century tomb stone of Adana from Antioch.
Buyuk Hamam
Buyuk Haman or Big Turkish Bath, was built on the ruinsof St George of Latins. The only remaining part of the church is the entrance. The baths are classical ottoman baths. The road surface has gradually risen some 2 m’s above its original level over the centuries.
Selimiye Mosque
The Selimiye Mosque was built between 1209-1326 in the Lusignan period in the French Gothic style. This mosque was originally a cathedral known as St. Sophia but after the Ottoman conquest was converted into a mosque with the addition of two minarets, a mimber (pulpit) and a mihrab (altar). Prior to its conversion St. Sophia Cathedral was considered to be the most beautiful church in Cyprus.
Mevlevi Tekke
A few yards from the Kyrenia Gate is the Tekke (monastery) of the Whirling Dervishes where a 13th Century order founded by the poet Jelal-ed-den Roumi Mevlana, once used to carry out their rituals. This 17th Century domed building, now serves as a museum for the same order.
Gamblers Inn
A motel for travelling merchants! Built in the 17th Century during the Ottoman Rule over Cyprus, built in the style of Kervansaray with a medieval gothic arch in the entrance hall. These were hostelries for travelling caravans of camels and their merchant owners.
The Great Inn (Buyukhan)
This a beautiful building was built by the first Ottoman governor, Muzaffer Pasha in 1572. It is typical of other great inner city Inns of this period in Anatolia. There is an inner courtyard of 68 rooms and 10 shops. There is a small mescid (mini mosque) in the middle of the central courtyard. Nowadays, you can find souvenir shops, restaurants and a Cypriot wine bar. | 
