Churches & CultureNicosiaVerified by editors: 2026-10-23

Büyük Han (The Great Caravanserai)

1572 Ottoman travelers' inn with two tiers of arched stone arcades, a domed courtyard mosque, and craft ateliers.

Büyük Han ('The Great Inn') is considered the finest surviving example of Ottoman architecture on Cyprus. Constructed in 1572 shortly after the Ottoman conquest, it provided safe quarters for travelling merchants and their caravans.

At the center of its spacious stone courtyard sits an elevated octagonal mescit (prayer hall) supported by marble pillars. The two vaulted gallery levels now house artisan workshops, shadow puppet theaters, and traditional cafes.

Tips before you go

  • Sip slow-brewed Cypriot coffee cooked on hot sand paired with fresh flaky börek pastries.
  • Explore the upper-floor galleries for handmade lace, olive-oil soaps, and ceramic souvenirs.
  • Easily reached on foot just minutes past the Ledra Street pedestrian checkpoint.

How to get there

Located in the walled old city, roughly 200 meters north of the Ledra Street checkpoint.

35.1764, 33.3619Open in Google Maps

Place vibe

editorial pick
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