Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0 Why visit
Selimiye is one of the strongest architectural demonstrations of Cyprus’s changing rulers and religious institutions. The Gothic structure remains legible beneath later mosque adaptations, allowing medieval Lusignan architecture and Ottoman reuse to be read together. Its position close to Büyük Han makes the surrounding streets a concentrated study of Nicosia’s layered history. The stop works especially well when placed beside nearby sites from the same region, because the contrast in landscape, architecture or historical period makes the wider character of Cyprus easier to understand.
What you will see
- Gothic nave.
- Medieval west façade.
- Minarets added after conversion.
- Layered Christian and Muslim history.
History
Built as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia during the Lusignan period, the church was largely completed in the medieval era. After the Ottoman conquest of 1570, it was converted to a mosque and later received minarets.
Visitor tips
- 1
Allow time for the surrounding landscape or historic streets where these form part of the site context.
- 2
Check current official information before relying on a particular entrance, service, crossing arrangement or interior visit.
About Nicosia
The walled capital contains Venetian fortifications, archaeological collections, Gothic and Ottoman architecture on both sides of the UN buffer zone.
Open the Cyprus guide
