selimiye mosque

kayteabee1980

Super intriguing how they took this old Gothic style church and made it into a Mosque. We were there during prayer so we could not go in but the outside was impressive and sparked a lot of questions regarding the history of Cyprus.

Sarkidauda

I've been here, an old building, hundred of years back.A historical place to be. Within the old LEFKOSA, city centre

Pippa65

It is astonishing to see how a cathedral has been converted into a mosque. The windows have been replaced with Middle Eastern "fretwork" decoration, and the inside is painted white. As Mecca is not in the same orientation as the Christian church everything is "sideways".

797ebrua

It is worth to see such a historical asset. Next to the Mosque, you might have a chnce to watch Dervish rituel ceremonies.

164bettyz

Originally built as a Catholic church, then converted into a mosque by Turkish, the mosque is a fantastic architecture that combines the best of the two.

342leec

A cathedral turned mosque - this is an absolutely stunning building built in a gothic style. It is well worth crossing the border at Ledra Street to visit this building.Unfortunately, there were prayers in progress at the time we arrived and so we were not able to go inside, but just walking around the outside and gazing upon the amazing architecture is enough to give you a sense of the grandeur of this mosque and an appreciation of its construction.The inside, by all accounts, is no less impressive and its just a shame we did not get to visit it.

AduPT

Incredible image of a Gothic cathedral turned into a mosque.White walls, Coran inscriptions, prayer places, shoes at the front steps...a twist of emotions, very interesting to see.I think it's probably the most powerful moment I experienced in North Nicosia, the moment I realized how everything around us is nothing more than a projection of what we choose to make of it...

Jtraveller87

Active mosque so haven't actually entered but all the area surrounding Selimiye is lovely. There's a covered market nearby for food and trinkets, the long shopping road which continues over the border (you can walk across here if you have your passport) and the road then turns into a very European shopping street. There is an excellent restaurant nearby called Sabor where you can sit in the sun (or shade) with a great view of Selimiye mosque.

Superkatt

The frankish Cathedral of St Sophia was built in 1209-1347 as the capital city Church of Nikosia. It was built in Gothic style on the ruins of earlier Bysantine church called Agia Sofia, 4 columns in the middle frontpart of the Cathedral were moved here from ancient ruins of Salamis, see pictures attached. The Lusignan princes were crowned Kings of Cyprus here.The Cathedral was converted to mosque in 1570.Cathedral is open for visitors, but you need to remove your shoes to be let to go in, so wear socks.

BillyK67

Very interesting building. Used to be a church. Locals always available to explain about the building

DenizC803

The mosque and its courtyard reflects the beauty of the French architecture of the Middle Ages. A well preserved building. If you happen to be in Nicosia, remember most of the historical sites are in the North. After this St. Sophia Cathedral or Selimiye Mosque in today's name, please allow some time in this quarter of the old city as you will find hidden treasure in stone buildings. Mine was a beautiful restaurant near the mosque.

djpend

Under Venetian rule this was originally a Christian church. After the Ottomans conquered Cyprus in the 1570's it was turned into a Mosque. So the elaborate Christian decorations were removed. This has left a massive peaceful chamber. An unusual feature is that the carpet is laid diagonally so that it faces Mecca. A good place to retreat from the bustle of the city and heat of the day.

ian096

Good to look at from the outside and peaceful on the inside, like all mosques. It's located in a district full of narrow streets with markets and interesting little shops (visit ther Buyiuk Han!)

lancashirescott

Yet again its another fantastic looking Cathedral that has changed hands into the Muslim faith, I am an Atheist but I can spend hours marveling at the work it must have taken to build these massive ornate buildings.The christian faith knew how to build elaborate places of worship and its a shame that there isnt the same sort of detail in modern architecture instead of the fast method of steel and concrete.All the same you just have to look at the huge vaulted ceilings and wonder what it must have been like when these places where first finished. The only fault with the conversion into the Muslim faith is inside it has all been painted white covering up all the stone, to me that is the worst thing you could do, stone should be seen in its natural form.It still is a beautiful building and well worth a visit.

FOL-1003

When converting, the Muslims are never shy, take down the Christian symbols and hang up the islamic ones, building stays rather untouched.recommend, Nr 2 site to see in occupied zone