CVAR

Top choice in Nicosia (Lefkosia)

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Opened in 2014, CVAR's collection of art and archival material showcases the story of modern Cyprus. Galleries full of paintings and other artworks display Cyprus as seen by its visitors, dating from the 1400s up to the mid-20th century, while exhibits of photographs, books, artefacts and primary documents from the island's colonial period give an engrossing look into the era of British rule. There's also a library containing a vast collection of books about Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.

The ground-floor courtyard is home to the lively, modern restaurant Balthazar. It's a good place to put your feet up with a coffee after viewing the galleries.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • St. Hilarion Castle in Kyrenia, North Cyprus.

    St Hilarion Castle

    10.77 MILES

    The full fairy-tale outline of St Hilarion Castle only becomes apparent once you’re directly beneath it. The stone walls and half-ruined buildings blend…

  • North Cyprus, Kyrenia, Kyrenia Castle and Harbour

    Kyrenia Castle

    11.73 MILES

    If the grand fortifications of Kyrenia Castle could talk, they could sure tell some tales. The castle was first built by the Byzantines – possibly over…

  • Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia, Northern Cyprus.

    Selimiye Mosque

    0.27 MILES

    North Nicosia’s most prominent landmark (also clearly visible from the southern half of the city), the Selimiye Mosque is a beautiful mongrel of a…

  • Detail from the iconostasis (baroque wood carving), Church of St Lazarus (Agios Lazaros) (built in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 17th century), Larnaca, Cyprus.

    Agios Lazaros

    23.66 MILES

    This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an…

  • 16th century Venetian walls of Nicosia, Cyprus; Shutterstock ID 132634124; Your name (First / Last): Brana V; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Nicosia destination page

    Venetian Walls

    0.2 MILES

    The Venetian walls form a border around the Old City and are so unusual that, once seen on a map, you’ll never forget the odd snowflake-like shape.

  • Church of Apostolos Varnavas

    Church of Apostolos Varnavas

    28.96 MILES

    This beautiful Orthodox church is dedicated to St Paul’s good friend Varnavas (Barnabas), who was born in Cyprus and carried out his missionary work here…

  • Buyuk Han (The Great Inn) Nicosia, North Cyprus; Shutterstock ID 54096925; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Büyük Han

    0.35 MILES

    The Büyük Han is Cyprus' best-preserved example of Ottoman caravanserai architecture. Built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Lala Mustafa…

  • Zenobia ship wreck near Paphos, Cyprus ; Shutterstock ID 471124055; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other: 471124055

    Zenobia

    24.77 MILES

    For divers, the one reason to come to Larnaka is to explore the Zenobia, a Swedish-built cargo ship that sank just off the coast of Larnaka in 1980…

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Nearby Nicosia (Lefkosia) attractions

1. Panagia Chrysaliniotissa

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The church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and its name means ‘Our Lady of the Golden Flax’ in Greek. It’s considered to be…

2. Pancyprian Gymnasium Museums

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3. Chrysaliniotissa Quarter

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Centred around the Panagia Chrysaliniotissa church, this residential neighbourhood on the edge of the Old City rubs right up against the Green Line, and…

4. National Struggle Museum

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5. Pancyprian Gymnasium

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6. Folk Art Museum

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7. Famagusta Gate

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Easternmost city gate Famagusta is the most photographed and best-preserved of the three original gates that led into the Old City of Nicosia. Its…

8. Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre

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This contemporary-art museum is housed in a former power station, and is the city’s equivalent to London’s Tate Modern. The former industrial setting is…

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