Nicosia has been the capital of Cyprus since the 12th century.  This remarkable city is situated in the heart of the Messaoria Plain. It is currently divided by the UN buffer zone, which separates the Turkish-occupied north side of the island and the Government-controlled south. The old city, which has many quaint and ancient shops, is defined by walls built by the Venetians.

Some of the most famous attractions in Nicosia include the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, the Folk Art Museum, the old and new Arch-Episcopal Palaces, St John's Cathedral, the Makarios Cultural Centre/Byzantine Museum and the Byzantine churches.

At the end of May the annual International State Fair and the Nicosia Art Festival are held in Nicosia.

Excursions:

The Nicosia District extends westwards into the vine-covered Troodos Mountains, where there are magnificent forests, valleys and hill resorts such as Kakopetria, and the Byzantine churches in Galata.

• Nine Byzantine churches in the Troodos Mountains have been listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. The area offers some interesting excursions, including the Royal Tombs and Agios Irakleidios Monastery in Tamassos.

• The five-dome church and the mosque in Peristerona village; the 12th-century church of Panagia Forviotissa (Asinou) near Nikitari.

• The finest examples of Byzantine art in the Middle East; the church of Stavros tou Agiasmati in Platanistassa; Agios Ioannis Lampadistis in Kalopanayiotis; the Panagia tou Araka Monastery in Lagoudera.

• The Machairas Monastery near Lazanias, approximately an hour's drive into the hills southwest of Nicosia. This area has countless other old churches and monasteries, including Kykkos and Araka, containing impressive and well-preserved Byzantine frescoes and shrines, and also a few pagan shrines where the ancients worshipped their gods.

•  Pitsylia District produces most of the grapes for the Commandaria wine. There are many attractive villages, such as Zoopygi, where almond and walnut trees grow.

• Kalokhorio and, further up, Agros, a village with a small hotel and a few holiday homes. Southwest of Nicosia, near Deftera, there is a new riding school and sports centre.