The Old Town of Lefkoşa: What to See Inside the Venetian Walls

Old Lefkoşa is one of those places in Northern Cyprus that is best explored on foot. Within a relatively small area inside the Venetian walls, a Gothic cathedral converted into a mosque, Ottoman caravanserais, old markets, a hammam, mansions, craft workshops and the first social housing complex in Cyprus stand side by side. You should allow at least several hours to see the main sights, and almost a full day if you plan to visit the museums.

• Old Town and the Venetian Walls
• Kyrenia Gate
• Mevlevi Tekke Museum
• Samanbahçe Houses
• Venetian Column
• Büyük Han
• Kumarcılar Han
• Selimiye Mosque
• Bedesten
• Bandabuliya Market
• Lusignan House
• Derviş Pasha Mansion
• Arabahmet Quarter
• Arasta
• A Route Through Old Lefkoşa
• Frequently Asked Questions

Old Town and the Venetian Walls

To understand Lefkoşa, it is worth looking at the map first. The historic centre is surrounded by an almost perfect ring of powerful fortifications with 11 bastions. The walls are approximately 4.5 km long.

The fortifications acquired their modern appearance in the second half of the 16th century, when Cyprus was under the rule of the Republic of Venice. The old defensive structures were considered insufficient in the face of the growing threat from the Ottoman Empire and were radically rebuilt.

The city had three main gates. Today, Kyrenia Gate — Girne Kapısı — survives on the northern side of the Old Town. It is a convenient place to begin a walk through Old Lefkoşa.

The distinctive feature of the historic centre is that, within just a few neighbouring streets, you can literally see the heritage of different eras: the Lusignans, the Venetians, the Ottoman Empire and the British period.

Kyrenia Gate — Girne Kapısı

Kyrenia Gate was the northern entrance to the fortified city and the beginning of the road leading towards Girne. The Venetians called it Porta del Proveditore.

Originally, the gate formed part of a massive wall, but during the British period sections of the fortifications on either side were dismantled to allow vehicles to pass. As a result, the small historic building now appears to stand alone in the middle of a city square.

Kyrenia Gate is a convenient starting point: from here, most of the sights of Old Lefkoşa can be visited on foot, with practically no need for a car.
Location

Mevlevi Tekke Museum

Almost immediately behind Kyrenia Gate is the Mevlevi Tekke Museum — the former lodge of the Mevlevi Sufi order.

The Mevlevi are well known for the tradition of sema — a ritual during which dervishes spin around their own axis. But behind the striking image of the “whirling dervishes” lies a complex religious and philosophical tradition associated with the teachings of Jalaluddin Rumi.

The Mevlevi order existed in Cyprus for several centuries, and the tekke in Lefkoşa was one of its important centres. Today, the interior houses a museum exhibition dedicated to the lives of the dervishes, their clothing, musical instruments and traditions.

The complex also contains the tombs of Mevlevi sheikhs.
Location

Samanbahçe — Cyprus’s First Social Housing Quarter

Not far from Kyrenia Gate is an unusual attraction that is easy to miss: Samanbahçe.

This is neither a palace nor a museum, but a historic residential quarter. Its creation began at the end of the 19th century, when affordable housing was needed for families with modest incomes.

The complex consists of approximately 70 small single-storey houses arranged along narrow, geometrically planned streets. The houses were built according to a similar design and covered with red tiles.

A communal fountain was built in the centre of the quarter and originally supplied residents with water. Samanbahçe is considered the first major social housing project in Cyprus.

Today, the quarter is interesting above all for its atmosphere. It is still a residential space, so while walking around, it is important to remember that behind the beautiful doors and windows are ordinary homes.
Location

The Venetian Column and Atatürk Square

The next important point is Atatürk Square (Atatürk Meydanı), historically also known as Sarayönü.

A tall granite Venetian Column stands in its centre. It was brought to Lefkoşa from the ruins of ancient Salamis during the Venetian period.

Originally, the column was erected as a symbol of the power of the Republic of Venice. After the Ottoman conquest, it was removed, and at the beginning of the 20th century, under British administration, it was reinstalled in the square.

For centuries, the square remained one of the administrative centres of the city, so buildings from different historical periods can be seen around it.
Location

Büyük Han — Lefkoşa’s Main Caravanserai

Büyük Han («Great Inn») is one of the most recognisable historic monuments in Northern Cyprus.

The caravanserai was built in 1572, shortly after the island came under Ottoman rule. It was intended for merchants and travellers arriving in Lefkoşa from other parts of Cyprus and from overseas.

The building has a large rectangular inner courtyard surrounded by two-storey galleries. There were 68 rooms in total. The lower level contained storage rooms, shops and service areas, while the rooms on the upper floor were used for accommodation.

At the centre of the courtyard is a small mosque — a mescid — built above a fountain for ablutions.

Today, Büyük Han is once again full of life, although its purpose has completely changed. The former rooms house artists’ and craftspeople’s workshops, shops selling ceramics, jewellery and souvenirs, while cafés occupy the inner courtyard.

It is worth visiting not only for the architecture. Büyük Han is a good place to take a short break during a walk through the Old Town.
Location

Kumarcılar Han

Just a few minutes’ walk from Büyük Han is another historic inn — Kumarcılar Hanı.

It is considerably smaller than its famous neighbour and therefore creates a completely different impression. The inner courtyard is surrounded by a two-storey gallery with small rooms.

The exact construction date remains a matter of debate, but the building dates from the Ottoman period and is considered one of Lefkoşa’s surviving historic hans.

Kumarcılar Han spent a long time in poor condition before being restored. Today, it is worth visiting primarily for its architecture and small inner courtyard.
Location

Selimiye Mosque — A Gothic Cathedral in the Centre of Lefkoşa

Selimiye Mosque (Selimiye Camii) is perhaps the most unusual building in Old Lefkoşa. If you mentally remove the two minarets, what stands before you is a genuine medieval European Gothic cathedral.

That is exactly what it was originally. The building was constructed as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia during the rule of the Lusignan dynasty. The kingdom’s most important ceremonies, including the coronations of the rulers of Cyprus, took place here.

After the Ottoman conquest of Lefkoşa in 1570, the cathedral was converted into a mosque. Christian interior elements were removed or altered, and minarets were added to the building.

Today, it is an active mosque. When visiting, it is necessary to observe the rules of a religious site: choose modest clothing, remove your shoes before entering and take prayer times into account.

It is precisely the combination of French Gothic architecture and Islamic function that makes Selimiye one of the most striking examples of Lefkoşa’s layered history.
Location

Bedesten: Church, Market and Cultural Space

Almost next to Selimiye Mosque is Bedesten — a building with a history spanning around a thousand years.

Archaeological research indicates that an early Byzantine basilica once stood on this site. The structure was later expanded and rebuilt several times, which is why its architecture today contains Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance elements.

At one point, an Orthodox church stood here. After Ottoman rule was established, the building gradually became a covered market — hence the name “bedesten”.

Fabrics and other goods were traded here, and at different times the premises were also used for storage.

After extensive restoration, Bedesten became a cultural space hosting exhibitions, concerts and other events. However, access to the separate museum section may be limited, so it is best to check whether the interior can be visited shortly before your trip.
Location

Bandabuliya — The Old City Market

Near Selimiye and Bedesten is Bandabuliya — the historic covered market of Lefkoşa.

For a long time, the market was an important part of everyday city life. People came here for vegetables, fruit, meat, spices and other products.

Today, Bandabuliya no longer plays the role it did several decades ago, but it remains an interesting part of the Old Town. Inside, you can see small shops, buy food and experience the atmosphere of everyday Lefkoşa rather than a museum.
Location

Lusignan House

Lusignan House (Lüzinyan Evi) is an interesting example of how Lefkoşa’s architecture changed together with the island’s rulers.

The main part of the building dates from the Lusignan period and is approximately from the 15th century. After the city came under Ottoman rule, the house continued to be used while also being adapted to new ideas about residential architecture.

As a result, Gothic stone elements and characteristic details of an Ottoman house, including wooden structures, coexist in a single building.

Today, it houses a museum that allows visitors to see the architecture of a historic residence from the inside.
Location

Derviş Pasha Mansion

To understand what a prosperous urban home in 19th-century Lefkoşa looked like, it is worth visiting Derviş Paşa Konağı.

The mansion is located in the historic Arabahmet Quarter. Its owner was Derviş Pasha, a prominent figure in Cyprus’s public life and the publisher of the newspaper Zaman.

The house was built around an inner courtyard and combines a stone ground floor with lighter structures on the upper level. Today, it houses an ethnographic museum.

The rooms contain traditional furniture, clothing, household objects and other items that help visitors imagine the everyday life of a prosperous family at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.
Location

Arabahmet Quarter

Arabahmet is interesting not because of one particular attraction, but as an entire urban space.

During the Ottoman period, prosperous residents of Lefkoşa settled here. As a result, the quarter has preserved old houses with inner courtyards, wooden bay windows and distinctive façades.

The Arabahmet Mosque and Derviş Pasha Mansion are located here. But the most interesting thing is simply to turn off the main tourist streets and walk through several blocks.

Some historic houses have been restored, while others still recall how difficult the fate of the Old Town was during the 20th century.
Location

Arasta — The Shopping Streets of Old Lefkoşa

After visiting the museums, mosques and old mansions, it is worth heading to the Arasta area. This is the historic commercial part of the Old Town, with small shops, cafés and workshops.

The word “arasta” was traditionally used to describe shopping streets or rows where the shops of craftspeople and vendors were concentrated.

Today, clothes, sweets, spices, souvenirs and various other goods are sold here. The area remains one of the liveliest pedestrian parts of Old Lefkoşa.

Arasta is also suitable for ending the route: from here, you can return to Büyük Han or continue walking along the other streets in the northern part of the Old Town.
Location

A One-Day Route Through Old Lefkoşa

Most of the places listed above are located fairly close to one another, so you will hardly need a car inside the historic centre.

A convenient route can be planned as follows:

Kyrenia Gate → Mevlevi Tekke → Samanbahçe → Atatürk Square and the Venetian Column → Büyük Han → Kumarcılar Han → Selimiye → Bedesten

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Old Town of Lefkoşa located?

The historic centre of Lefkoşa is located inside the 16th-century Venetian walls. Today, the Old Town is divided by the UN buffer zone, while the attractions described in this article — Kyrenia Gate, Büyük Han, Selimiye Mosque, Bedesten, Bandabuliya, Samanbahçe and others — are located on the northern side of the city.

How much time is needed for a walk through Old Lefkoşa?

You should allow at least 3–4 hours to see the main attractions. If you visit museums, stop at Büyük Han, walk through the Arabahmet Quarter and have lunch in the Old Town, it is easy to spend most of the day here.

Can Old Lefkoşa be explored on foot?

Yes. It is one of the most convenient areas in Northern Cyprus for walking. Most of the main historic sites are located relatively close to one another. A convenient starting point is Kyrenia Gate (Girne Kapısı), from where you can gradually walk through the historic centre to Atatürk Square, Büyük Han, Selimiye Mosque and other attractions.

What should you definitely see in Old Lefkoşa?

If you have little time, you should see Kyrenia Gate, Atatürk Square with the Venetian Column, Büyük Han, Selimiye Mosque, Bedesten and the old Bandabuliya Market. This route offers a particularly clear view of how monuments from the Lusignan, Venetian, Ottoman and British periods stand side by side in the city’s architecture.

Can you enter Selimiye Mosque now?

Yes. After an extensive restoration, Selimiye Mosque reopened in May 2025. It is an active mosque, so tourist visits are possible outside prayer times. Admission is free. Visitors must observe the relevant rules regarding clothing and behaviour.

Is there an entrance fee for Büyük Han?

No. Entry to the inner courtyard and grounds of Büyük Han is free. Today, the former caravanserai contains craft workshops, small shops, galleries and cafés.

Can you enter Bedesten?

Bedesten is located next to Selimiye Mosque and is now used primarily as a cultural space. The possibility of entering depends on events and opening hours, so you should not expect permanent unrestricted access. Even from the outside, the building is interesting for its unusual combination of Gothic architecture and later alterations.

Where can you have coffee or lunch in Old Lefkoşa?

There are cafés directly in the courtyard of Büyük Han and on the surrounding streets. Many small establishments can be found in the Arasta area and around the historic centre. A walk can therefore easily be combined with Turkish coffee, Cypriot sweets or a full meal.

Is there a market in Old Lefkoşa?

Yes. Bandabuliya (Bandabulya) is the historic municipal market of Old Lefkoşa. Today, you can see small shops here and experience the atmosphere of the city’s old commercial centre. The market is located not far from Selimiye Mosque and Büyük Han.

Where can you leave your car?

It is more convenient to get around the historic centre on foot. There are many narrow streets and pedestrian areas within the walls, so it is better to leave your car in one of the car parks near the Old Town and continue on foot. Car parks can be found around Kyrenia Gate and along the perimeter of the historic centre.

Can you walk from Old Lefkoşa into the Republic of Cyprus?

Yes. The pedestrian checkpoint Lokmacı / Ledra Street is located in the historic centre. With the necessary documents, you can cross through the UN buffer zone to the southern side of Nicosia. The crossing itself is not part of the Northern Cyprus tourist route described in this article.

Do you need to cross a checkpoint to see the attractions in this article?

No. All the main places described in the article — Büyük Han, Selimiye Mosque, Bedesten, Bandabuliya, Kumarcılar Hanı, Mevlevi Tekke, Samanbahçe, Arabahmet, Kyrenia Gate and Atatürk Square — are located on the northern side of Lefkoşa. You do not need to enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus to visit them.

Can you walk around Old Lefkoşa with children?

Yes. The distances between the main sites are short, and a significant part of the route passes through quiet historic streets and pedestrian areas. However, in summer it is better to plan your walk for the morning or the second half of the day: some parts of the centre have little shade, while the stone streets and squares become very hot.

When is the best time to visit Old Lefkoşa?

Spring, autumn and winter are the most comfortable seasons for a long walk. In summer, it is better to come in the morning or towards evening. If you want to see not only the architecture but also working workshops, the market and shops, it is better to choose daytime on a weekday or Saturday.

How is Old Lefkoşa different from Girne and Famagusta?

The mixture of different historical eras is especially noticeable in Lefkoşa. Within a small area, you can find Gothic buildings from the Lusignan period, Venetian fortifications, Ottoman caravanserais and mosques, traditional residential quarters and British colonial architecture. This makes the Old Town interesting not because of one particular attraction, but because of the combination of its historical layers.