Limassol – Nicosia, Khirokitia

The last divided capital city in the world, after the fall of Berlin Wall, is the city of Nicosia here in Cyprus, through which runs the Green Line that divides north and south occupying the northern part since 20 July 1974 Turkish invasion. Nicosia is the largest town of Cyprus and has been the capital of the island since Medieval times (11^th century AD). The history of the city is interesting and adventurous and the place itself is of great character, circled by old city walls and criss-crossed by twisting, teeming streets.

Our first stop on the way to Nicosia is the Neolithic archaeological site of Khirokitia (7000 BC). The ancient site of Khirokitia, is included since 1998 in UNESCO world Culture Heritage official  list. It is a the site of a Neolithic settlement found in a better state of preservation than most other from this period, not only in Cyprus but in whole of the Eastern Mediterranean. Five dwellings in close proximity have been reconstructed following the Neolithic model, using the same methods and traditional materials and have been furnished with copies of objects actually found inside the house during excavations, in order to give a better impression of layout of the village as it was in antiquity.

Drive thought the typical Cypriot scenery we arrive in Nicosia and we start with the visit of St. John’s Cathedral built in 1662 by Archbishop Nikiforos, and admire the 18^th century frescoes embellishing the walls, depicting colourful biblical scenes.

Afterwards, a stop at the Green Line checkpoint at Ledra Street from where you will have the opportunity to gaze at the occupied half of Nicosia and northern territory of Cyprus.

The tour leads through the impressive Venetian Walls, which encircle the old city, via Paphos Gate. Arrive in the old town of Nicosia where there is free time for shopping or browsing in the restored 19^th century neighbourhood called “Laiki Yitonia”, with traditional houses, craft shops, taverns and galleries, all lining the narrow pedestrian streets within the walled city.