Nicosia
Nicosia does the honours to be the capital of Cyprus last 1000 years since 10thcentury with population 314.400 (late 2009). The beginnings of this city reaches back 5000 years to the Bronze Age. It is located almost in the centre of the island and it is a seat of Government and cultural, political, economic and business centre of Cyprus. Most foreign embassies and consulates have the headquarters there. The city is called the last world's divided capital because the part of it belongs to Cyprus and second part to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyrus (recognized only by Turkey). Apart of that we can see other two part of the city: the old one surrounded by 400 years old Venetian city walls (4,5 meters thick) with 3 gates which one is in use now for cultural centre and others for administrative offices and the new busy modern metropolis with many shops, modern shopping malls, offices, hotels, restaurants and entertainment.
Being there you have to visit its museums. The only historical museum of Nicosia is Leventis Municipal Museum where you can find the exhibits about the old way of living at this area from ancient times until nowadays. Another interesting museum is located in The Archbishop's Palace and contains the largest exhibition of religious icons in the whole island. We can visit as well Folk Art Museum, National Struggle Museum, Cyprus Ethnological Museum and Handicrafts Centre.
Nicosia’s climate is with hot and dry summers and wet and mild winters.