Nicosia

Tigger says- that's a big city

Nicosia, Lefkosia or Lefkosa… all names for the last remaining divided city in the world. The unchanged and timeless Turkish Cypriot Northern half of the city is in direct contrast to the busy, sophisticated Greek Cypriot Southern half, yet both sides have a charm and attraction of their own. The fact that since 2004 EU citizens are free to cross from one side of the city to the other means that we can now all enjoy Nicosia as a whole and get a better understanding of the Cypriot people and a wider appreciation of Cyprus.If you travel from the South on foot you can cross at Ledra Palace which is centrally located for the main city shopping areas on both sides of the Green Line. Alternatively, if you prefer to cross by car, then the Metehan crossing is now fully open with two lanes and passport control on both sides to reduce waiting times. To cross you will need a valid passport and you will also need to fill in a short visa form which is available from the passport control offices on the Turkish Cypriot half of the border. You will also need to take out Greek Cypriot car insurance if going from North to South and Turkish Cypriot car insurance if going from South to North. Don’t worry you don’t have to buy annual insurance; you can buy it on a daily or monthly basis!North Nicosia has really changed little over the years. The back streets are ramshackle reminders of a time gone by and there you will still see people living very simple lives. Travelling away from the city centre, especially in the direction of Kyrenia, you will see some sophisticated developments taking shape and some stylish homes springing up, but the true heart of the city is where you will find the most interesting and historic features.The city has been divided effectively since 1963 when separate Greek and Turkish areas were identified; the Green Line was firmly established by a British Military Commander who famously took a map and drew a line with a green pen to divide the city for the sake of peace. The name for the border that divides the two Cypriot communities has been known as the Green Line ever since. The division became absolute and formalized in 1974.