The Cathedral of Agios Ioannis was founded in 1662 on the site of an ancient medieval monastery dedicated to St. John the Theologian. The monastery seems to have flourished at the end of Frankish (1192-1489) and Venetian (1489-1571) rule. The church that replaced the monastery in the 17th century became the residence of the Archbishop of Cyprus in 1720 and is the place of the enthronement of the Archbishops of Cyprus.
The church of Agios Antonios dates from the 18th century. It is a simple, single-aisled, tiled church typical of the last period of Turkish rule. Of particular interest are the carved wooden iconostasis and the finely carved stone bell tower of the church.
Compared to other mosques in the central area of Nicosia, Taht el-Kale Mosque is a relatively new one, as it was only built in the years 1826-1827 together with an adjacent Quran school (madrasa). The new building replaced a dilapidated mosque on the same site, which had been built just after the Ottoman capture of the city. It is located in a quarter bearing the same name.
The Ömeriye Mosque was established on the former Church of St. Mary of an Augustinian monastery. The upper part, up to the middle of the window height, was destroyed, probably by Turkish cannonading during the siege of Nicosia in 1570. Later, the Turks completed the walls and covered the building and the vestibule with a wooden roof. The interior of the church was covered with plaster, while the exterior of the minaret was added on the north side.
How is Religiana helping to conserve and promote Religious Heritage in Europe and why should you get involved?
Find out about Religiana
Are you a tourism organisation or religious heritage sites manager? Discover the advantages of becoming a partner.
See current partners
We can keep you up to date with the latest news from Religiana and religious heritage conservation across Europe.
Sign up to the FRH newsletter