Lefkosia, the capital of Cyprus is better known to foreigners by its mediaeval name, Nicosia. It lies just to the north of the geographical centre of the island at an elevation of 160 meters and is being traversed by the seasonal stream of Pediaios. Lefkosia (Nicosia) hosts the seat of government, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, the Archbishopric of the Greek Orthodox Church, government services and foreign embassies, high commissions and consulates.

It was only about 1000 years ago that Lefkosia (Nicosia) became the capital of Cyprus at a time when the island's rulers were forced to withdraw inland in order to protect themselves from the raiding Saracens, who were marauding the coastal towns. Ever since it has remained the capital sharing the country's fate through the centuries.

Today Lefkosia (Nicosia) is a thriving commercial centre. Many offshore banks and businesses operate from the Cyprus capital while the local bank, insurance and service sectors in general are especially strong. The city has been a centre of trading activity for centuries and is well-known for the hustle and bustle of its commercial streets. Whether in the narrow alleys of the wall city with its bazaar like atmosphere or in the modern quarter shopping precinct with its modern shopping malls, the shopper can find anything from Lefkara lace to silver, gold and diamond jewellry, from traditional craft to the latest Paris fashion.

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Nicosia hotels and other accommodation
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