Explore Nicosia’s rich heritage and culture through free guided walks every Saturday, offering a glimpse into the city’s history and traditions. Participants can choose from 10 thematic routes in Greek and English, connecting with the past and promoting intercultural understanding until the end of June.
What are the guided cultural walks in Nicosia about?
Guided cultural walks in Nicosia are free excursions allowing participants to explore the city’s history, culture, and heritage. Each Saturday, attendees can choose from 10 different themed walks, such as multicultural history, the evolution of education, and traditional Cypriot coffeehouse culture, offered in Greek and English. These walks aim to connect people with Nicosia’s past and promote interculturality.
Discover the Heart of Cyprus on Foot
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is a city brimming with history and culture. This spring, locals and tourists alike have the unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of old Nicosia through a series of guided cultural walks. These excursions are entirely free and available in both Greek and English, catering to a diverse group of enthusiasts eager to learn about the city’s iconic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage.
The walks are an initiative under the European project HUB-IN, with key collaborations between the Municipality of Nicosia and the Cyprus Energy Office. Every Saturday, attendees can choose from 10 distinct routes, each offering a limited number of spots to ensure an intimate and engaging experience. The journey through Nicosia’s past extends until the end of June, providing a platform to explore traditional shops, cultural spaces, and historical monuments.
Multicultural Paths to Intercultural Connections
One of the featured tours, “My Nicosia – From its Multicultural Past to its Intercultural Future,” is spearheaded by Marios Antoniou. This tour traverses the island’s multifaceted history, shedding light on the various cultural influences that have shaped it. Participants will have the chance to connect with both historical communities and the contemporary populace residing within the walled city. The essence of this exploration is to foster a reconsideration of relationships among people and to promote interculturality as a standard way of life.
Another highlight is the “Get to Know the City – The Timelessness of Education” walk. Organized by Friends of Nicosia, this educational stroll offers a glimpse into the city through the evolution of education and science, drawing attention to the various centers and schools that continue to contribute to Nicosia’s intellectual fabric today.
Engaging the Young and the Curious
Catering to families and children, the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association has designed an interactive walk entitled “Water, Wealth, Prayer: Three Centuries Ago.” This excursion delves into the historical significance of water and wealth, elements that have either unified or divided the city’s inhabitants. It also honors the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between the two predominant religions of the time.
For those interested in the more social aspects of Cypriot culture, “In the Steps of the Coffeehouse” offers a sensory journey through the old town’s traditional coffee shops. This walk, led by the People of Cyprus team, allows participants to taste history, hear stories from shop owners and waiters, and observe the daily life that unfolds in these cherished communal spaces.
A Theatrical Encounter with Royalty
Bringing history to life, the “Kings and Queens of Cyprus Come to Life in the Heart of Medieval Nicosia” walk is a family-friendly event featuring live actors. As attendees wander the city, they’ll encounter portrayals of famous historical figures from royal families, adding a vivid and engaging dimension to their understanding of Nicosia’s past.
In parallel, “Get to Know the City – Transformations from the Middle Ages to Today” highlights the city’s medieval roots, transitioning through its Lusignan, Venetian, Ottoman, and British influences, thereby illustrating the dynamic transformations that have occurred over the centuries.
Renewing the Old to Embrace the Future
“The Revival of Nicosia” tour guides visitors through the oldest neighborhood of Nicosia, focusing on the Chrysaliniotissa and Ayios Kassianos areas. This walk traces the historical shifts from the era when the Pedieos River flowed through the neighborhood to the recent efforts to rejuvenate the area as part of the Nicosia Unified Regulatory Plan.
Additionally, “Heritage and Society” walks, conducted by Kostas Mavrokordatos and Maria Mavrou, invite attendees to explore the cultural and environmental richness of the walled city. Those with an affinity for the arts can participate in the “Walk for Stage and Screen,” which traces the development of Cypriot theatre and cinema in relation to notable personalities, spaces, and landmarks both within and beyond the city walls.
For those eager to partake in these immersive experiences, detailed schedules and availability can be found online. Interested individuals can register for the cultural walks through the provided short link or via the event forms on the official Facebook page. These walks are not just tours; they are a passage through time, an invitation to experience the living history of Nicosia in the company of knowledgeable guides, and an opportunity to see the city through a lens of diversity and culture.
1. What are the guided cultural walks in Nicosia about?
Guided cultural walks in Nicosia are free excursions allowing participants to explore the city’s history, culture, and heritage. Each Saturday, attendees can choose from 10 different themed walks, such as multicultural history, the evolution of education, and traditional Cypriot coffeehouse culture, offered in Greek and English. These walks aim to connect people with Nicosia’s past and promote interculturality.
2. Who organizes the guided cultural walks in Nicosia?
The guided cultural walks in Nicosia are organized as part of the European project HUB-IN, in collaboration between the Municipality of Nicosia and the Cyprus Energy Office. These walks offer a diverse range of routes and themes to explore the city’s heritage and culture.
3. How can I participate in the guided cultural walks in Nicosia?
Interested individuals can register for the cultural walks through the provided short link or via the event forms on the official Facebook page. Detailed schedules and availability can also be found online. The walks are open to locals and tourists alike, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and traditions of Nicosia.
4. What are some of the themed walks available in Nicosia?
Some of the themed walks available in Nicosia include “My Nicosia – From its Multicultural Past to its Intercultural Future,” “Get to Know the City – The Timelessness of Education,” “Water, Wealth, Prayer: Three Centuries Ago,” and “In the Steps of the Coffeehouse.” These walks offer insights into different aspects of Nicosia’s history, culture, and social fabric, catering to a wide range of interests.
