Nicosia, known internationally by the Italian name of Nicosia (from French: Nicosie), is the capital of Cyprus. According to Greek mythology, Nicosia siren was one of the daughters of Achelous and Melpomeni its name translates as’ White Substance “. Built on the Pedieos river, Nicosia is the seat of the Government of the Republic.
The population of the Municipality of Nicosia is only at 55 014 inhabitants and the population is around 240,000 in the greater urban area of the capital. In ancient times the city was called Ledra and was one of the ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. As the capital of Cyprus for more than a thousand years, Nicosia occupied in the course of Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and British.
The historic center of Nicosia today is within the large medieval walls built by the Venetians. These walls are a hallmark of the city, with its ramparts and its gates could be used to accommodate important buildings of the city such as the Town Hall. The northern part of the city is still under Turkish occupation, so that Nicosia is the only remaining divided capital in the world. The city, while conceding fast growth, offers one of the highest living standards in the world. Headquartered in Nicosia University of Cyprus and even other four universities.
Nicosia is an important economic pole, with many shops, three modern shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment centers. Nicosia is internationally ranked as the richest in per capita income, city of the Eastern Mediterranean and the tenth richest city in the world according to purchasing power.
The city hosts the headquarters five Cypriot banks. There are over 15 hotels in Nicosia. The city is ranked the 185th most expensive place in the world from 300 international locations. The city is a trade center and manufactures textiles, leather, ceramics, plastics and other products. Many copper mines are nearby. Nicosia is home to the University of Cyprus and four other universities. Cyprus Airways have their head office in Nicosia.
The Cyprus Museum in Nicosia is the largest museum in the country. Is the museum with the richest and largest collection of Cypriot antiquities in the world. The collection consists solely of objects discovered on the island. The exhibits have been stored outside the walls of Nicosia after the founding of the museum in 1882 under British administration. The Folk Art Museum of Cyprus or otherwise Nicosia Ethnographic Museum houses the largest collection of ethnographic objects in the country, which includes costumes, pottery, lace, metalwork, woodwork and painting. Nicosia is home to a large number of art galleries. The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre collaborates with the Museum of Contemporary Art, which opened in January 1994 and is located in the old electro stathmo.Ton old electric station generously donated to the Municipality of Nicosia, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus. The city hosted the contest of Miss Universe 2000 in Sports Hall Freedom
