What architectural masterpieces is Nicosia proud of? Hagia Sophia - the Muslim symbol of Cyprus

This ancient Cypriot city, which is the only capital of the two states in the world, has experienced much in its history of existence. In Nicosia (Lefkosia) on both sides of the border, passing through the central street, live Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The city, in which the historical sights are much larger than in other settlements of the hospitable state, can not be called the main tourist center of Cyprus. Located inside the island, it has no access to the sea, therefore not all travelers are ready to sacrifice beach rest and go on an excursion to a unique corner, whose architecture bears the imprints of Turkish influence.

History of the construction of the cathedral

In the central square of the city is located a mosque, not in the eastern, but in the Gothic style, which the beautiful Nicosia is proud of. The Cathedral of St. Sophia was once the main temple of the whole island, until Cyprus was captured by the Ottoman Empire.

The construction of a religious landmark intended for coronations of royalty began in the 13th century, and the most famous artists and architects from different countries attracted the works. There is a legend that the delighted Pope, who appreciated the beauty of a unique architectural monument in the style of medieval French cathedrals, absolved a hundred days ahead of all the masters who took part in its erection.

Grace of the masterpiece

Initially, the Cathedral of St. Sophia (Nicosia), whose photo once again emphasizes its unusual appearance, was decorated with ancient paintings, sculptures and other art objects. The facade of the temple is strikingly special: the French masters decorated it with an elegant lace made of stone and porticoes protruding forward. The traditional Gothic window-socket was replaced with a large window, taken with an openwork grille.

Twelve snow-white columns, removed from the large ancient Salamina, support the vaults of the temple, and arched arches with a rich pattern crowned by three entrances to the architectural structure, the secrets of which carefully cherishes Nicosia. The Cathedral of Hagia Sophia is a unique monument attracting the attention of tourists to the capital of two cultures.

The temple, converted into a mosque

The religious sight served as a place of coronation and the tomb of the rulers of the Lusignan dynasty. After being captured by the Turks in 1571 by Nicosia, the Hagia Sophia Cathedral for Christians lost its former importance. In the seventies of the XVI century, the invaders rebuilt the temple, adding minarets, and destroyed the luxurious decoration, which he was famous for. They destroyed all the Christian relics, leaving the Gothic stained-glass windows, the walls were painted white, and the tombstones that were inside the cathedral were hidden under the oriental carpets.

The Muslims completely remade the religious monument and remained extremely pleased with the result. Even uninformed tourists are surprised by the Gothic style, which distinguishes the cathedral from all other religious buildings in the Middle East.

The Muslim Symbol of Cyprus

Christians regretted that their majestic shrine was selected by the Turks, but new Catholic temples appeared on the city's territory, and Muslims still honor the cathedral, which about 40 years ago became the property of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Today, in a mosque named Selimiye in honor of Sultan Sultan II, who conquered the island, all Muslim holidays are held.

The height of the minarets for a long time played an important role, because the mullahs repeatedly crossed the stairs in 170 steps throughout the day to call everyone to pray. In the 60s of the last century, the problem was solved after the installation of special sound equipment, which allows believers to hear the caller of the cult of Islam who calls for prayer. The main Muslim symbol of Cyprus is often depicted on all tourist avenues, in paints telling what modern Nicosia is famous for.

The Cathedral of St. Sophia, which turned into a mosque, demonstrates the beauty of the oriental decoration. Today every guest of the state can get inside the sights and feel the breath of time.

Where is the main mosque of the island?

All tourists arriving in Cyprus are required to visit the unique Hagia Sophia (Nicosia) Cathedral, whose address is: Selimiye Sk, Lefkoşa (Nicosia), Cyprus. It is located in the northern part of the city, next to the famous market AliPaşa Bazaar.

The following data will be useful to those who want to independently route the route using an electronic navigator and get to the Cathedral of St. Sophia (Nicosia). The coordinates of the main sight of the city: 35 ° 10'35 "north latitude, 33 ° 21'52" east longitude.

Stunning architectural monument, which makes an indelible impression of its grandeur, conveys the atmosphere of past eras and attracts interest from all guests who have not seen anything like it.