History & AntiquityNicosiaVerified by editors: 2026-10-30

St. Sophia Gothic Cathedral / Selimiye Mosque (Nicosia)

Monumental 13th-century French Gothic coronation cathedral of the Lusignan kings in the heart of walled Nicosia.

Begun in 1209 by French Gothic master builders and consecrated in 1326, the Cathedral of Saint Sophia was the grand coronation church of the medieval Lusignan kings of Cyprus.

Converted into a mosque in 1570 with the addition of twin minarets rising above its carved Gothic portals, it stands just steps from the Bedesten and Buyuk Han.

Tips before you go

  • Bring your passport or EU national ID card to cross the Ledra Street or Lokmaci checkpoint.
  • Shoes must be removed at the entrance and modest dress is required (wraps are provided).
  • Admire the intricate 14th-century marble carvings over the three western doorways.

How to get there

5 minutes walk north of the Ledra Street pedestrian crossing inside Nicosia's Venetian walls.

35.1764, 33.3644Open in Google Maps

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