Skyline of Nicosia

Although the new skyline of Nicosia is exploding upward and sprawling outward from the historic core as we speak, the minarets and bell towers remain the most recognizable monuments and way-finding elements within the city walls. Most of the monuments in Nicosia, especially religious monuments have undergone numerous alterations as the capital has changed hands. Each bell tower and minaret has its own story and many have been used for centuries to distinguish between neighborhoods within the walls. Let’s hope the Archbishop doesn’t build the proposed neo-Byzantine monstrosity near his palace.

Looking down upon the Arablar Mosque (originally a chapel) and the Phaneromeni Church.

Minaret of Arablar Mosque (originally Our Lady of Tyre Convent)

Bell tower of Phaneromeni Chruch

Bell tower of the Catholic Church. The church exists within the Buffer Zone but still functions and is entered through south Nicosia. Here it is seen over a barrier in north Nicosia.

Minaret of Fethimiye Mosque

Venetian Column

Minaret of New (Yeni) Mosque

Bell tower of St. Trypiotis Church. The masonry difference between the church and the bell tower shows that it was added or altered at a later date than the original construction.

Minaret of Taht-el-Kala Mosque

Bell tower of St. Savvas Church

Bell tower of St. Luke Church in north Nicosia, now occupied and used as a furniture shop

Bell tower of St. Antonios Church

Minaret of Omeriye Mosque (originally Church of St. Mary of the Augustinians)

Bell tower of St. John Cathedral (Archbishop Chrysostomos is allegedly embarrassed to bring guests to this cathedral because of its age and smaller size... It is one of the oldest Cathedrals in the city). 

Minaret of Haidarpasha Mosque (originally Church of St. Catherine)

Belfry of St. Kassianos Church

Minaret of Bayraktar Mosque

Belfry of Chrysaliniotissa Church

Minaret of Arabahmet Mosque