St. Sophia Cathedral | Nicosia

Information

Landmark: St. Sophia Cathedral
City: Nicosia
Country: Cyprus
Continent: Europe

St. Sophia Cathedral, Nicosia, Cyprus, Europe

St. Sophia Cathedral, now known as the Selimiye Mosque, is a former Roman Catholic cathedral located in the northern part of Nicosia, Cyprus. It stands within the walled city, serving as a prominent historical and architectural site.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a large Gothic cathedral, primarily constructed from sandstone. It features two tall minarets added after its conversion to a mosque, replacing the original western towers. The exterior exhibits flying buttresses and pointed arches. The interior retains Gothic arches and vaults, with whitewashed walls covering original frescoes. Its approximate dimensions are 68 meters long and 24 meters wide.

Location & Access Logistics

The Selimiye Mosque (St. Sophia Cathedral) is situated in the northern sector of Nicosia's walled city, specifically on Selimiye Square. From the Ledra Street crossing point, it is approximately 0.8 km north-east, accessible via Arasta Street. Public parking is available outside the walled city walls, requiring a walk through pedestrianized areas. No direct public transport lines serve the immediate vicinity; access is primarily by foot from nearby bus stops or parking areas.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction began in 1209 under Latin Archbishop Albert and continued for 150 years, consecrated in 1326. It served as the coronation church for Lusignan kings of Cyprus. Following the Ottoman conquest in 1570, it was converted into a mosque, with two minarets added to the western facade.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the Gothic architecture, including the nave, aisles, and apse. The interior offers a view of the whitewashed walls and the mihrab and minbar added during its conversion. Photography is permitted inside, respecting prayer times. The exterior allows for observation of the Gothic facade and the Ottoman-era minarets.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shade is provided by the building's exterior walls. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in the area. Several small cafes and food vendors are located within walking distance in the surrounding market streets.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit for photography is late morning or early afternoon when the sun illuminates the western facade. Weekday mornings are less crowded. The months of April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather conditions, avoiding the peak summer heat. No tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity is that the cathedral was never fully completed according to its original Gothic plans; the western towers remained unfinished before its conversion. A local tip for visitors is to observe the intricate stone carvings on the exterior, particularly around the main portal, which survived the Ottoman conversion.