Ancient CyprusAncient Cyprus

Fortifications · Ancient Monument

Fortifications of Nicosia (moat and bastions)

Nicosia · Medieval; Ottoman

Fortifications of Nicosia (moat and bastions): a fortification in Nicosia. Declared an Ancient Monument in 1933. 20 dated records of work on it, 1947 to 2007, with sources.

Nicosia District, about 35°10′ N, 33°21′ E

  • Other recorded site
  • Contours every 100 m
On the ancient site of Nicosia-Bairaktar Bastion. Approximate location. Open in the map →

Protection

Antiquities Law
  1. 12 April 1933

    Declared an Ancient Monument, No. 316

    “Eleven Bastions of the earthwork enceinte of the Town of Nicosia”

    The Cyprus Gazette of 13 April 1933 (Notice No. 316), PDF p. 250 Online

  2. 10 May 1935

    Scheduled in 1935, First Schedule, Nicosia item 7

    “Eleven Bastions of the earthwork enceinte of the town of Nicosia”

    Supplement No. 1 to The Cyprus Gazette No. 2441 of 10 May 1935, A Bill entitled A Law to consolidate and amend the Law relating to Antiquities [the Antiquities Law, 1935], First Schedule, District of Nicosia, item 7, p. 324, PDF p. 344 Online

What was done when

26 records
  1. 1947

    The walls of Nicosia received attention from the Department of Antiquities.

    Repair and conservation

    As printed

    “In Nicosia the Walls, the Bedestan and the”

    Colonial Office, Annual Report on Cyprus for the Year 1947 (London: HMSO, 1948), p. 46

  2. 1948

    Substantial headway was made in filling gaps in the walls with rough masonry, aided by a grant of £1,000 from the Municipality.

    Repair and conservation

    As printed

    “in filling gaps in the walls of Nicosia with rough masonry, aided by a grant of £1,000 from the Municipality”

    Colonial Office, Annual Report on Cyprus for the Year 1948 (London: HMSO, 1949), p. 43

  3. 1951

    Two substantial sections of the Venetian walls were repaired, the Municipality contributing half the cost.

    Repair and conservation

    As printed

    “In Nicosia two substantial sections of the Venetian walls were repaired”

    Colonial Office, Report on Cyprus for the Year 1951 (London: HMSO, 1952), p. 57

  4. 1954

    A further section of the walls was repaired with the help of the Municipality.

    Repair and conservation

    As printed

    “A further section of the walls of Nicosia was repaired with the help of the Municipality”

    Colonial Office, Colonial Reports: Cyprus 1954 (London: HMSO, 1955), p. 127

  5. 1956

    A further section of the Venetian walls received attention.

    Repair and conservation

    As printed

    “In Nicosia a further section of the Venetian walls received attention”

    Colonial Office, Cyprus: Report for the Year 1956 (London: HMSO, 1957), p. 89

  6. 1959

    A collapsed section of the curtain along the moat parade ground was rebuilt.

    Repair and conservation

    As printed

    “In Nicosia a collapsed section of the curtain along the moat parade ground was rebuilt”

    Colonial Office, Cyprus: Report for the Year 1959 (London: HMSO, 1961), p. 86

  7. 1991

    City walls of Nicosia: repair and restoration (Department of Antiquities, 1991).

    Repair and conservation

    Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1991», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 116 (1992), pp. 793-831, p. 831

  8. 1992

    City ramparts; restoration works in 1992.

    Repair and conservation

    Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1992», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 117 (1993), pp. 719-755, p. 755; Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1994», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 119 (1995), pp. 799-838, p. 838; Pavlos Flourentzos, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2003 et 2004», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 128 (2004), pp. 1635-1708, p. 1704

  9. 1993

    City walls where restoration and consolidation works were carried out.

    Repair and conservation

    Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1993», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 118 (1994), pp. 647-693, p. 691

  10. 1996

    Part restored in 1996, funded by UNHCR; work to continue in later years.

    Repair and conservation

    Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1996», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 121 (1997), pp. 891-933, p. 932

  11. 1998

    Medieval walls of Nicosia; restoration and conservation in 1998.

    Repair and conservation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1998», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 123 (1999), pp. 599-633, p. 631; Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2000», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 125 (2001), pp. 743-777, pp. 743, 775

  12. 1999

    Medieval ramparts of the city of Nicosia; conservation and restoration works in 1999.

    Repair and conservation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1999», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 124 (2000), pp. 665-699, p. 696

  13. 2000

    Medieval walls of the city of Nicosia; conservation in 2000.

    Repair and conservation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1998», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 123 (1999), pp. 599-633, p. 631; Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2000», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 125 (2001), pp. 743-777, pp. 743, 775

  14. 2000

    Part of the Venetian walls of Nicosia; 16th-century defences covered in Ottoman period; excavated for the first time in 2000.

    Excavation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2000», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 125 (2001), pp. 743-777, p. 767

  15. 2001

    Ditch of the Podocataro bastion in the Venetian walls of Nicosia, excavated October-December 2001; siege-period deposits.

    Excavation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2001», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 126 (2002), pp. 691-727, pp. 717-718

  16. 2001

    Medieval walls of Nicosia, restored and anastylosed in 2001.

    Repair and conservation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2001», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 126 (2002), pp. 691-727, p. 727

  17. 2001

    Venetian walls of Nicosia; ditch of the Podocataro bastion excavated in 2001 to study construction and use during and after the 1570 siege; skeleton, lead medals, coins and musket slits found.

    Excavation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2001», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 126 (2002), pp. 691-727, pp. 717-718

  18. 2002

    For the first time, sections of the medieval walls of Nicosia and a bastion (Rocca) that stand in the part of the city occupied by Turkey since 1974 could be restored (2002).

    Repair and conservation

    As printed

    “Signalons que, pour la première fois, il a été possible de restaurer des tronçons des remparts médiévaux et un bastion (Rocca) qui se trouvent dans la zone occupée de la ville de Nicosie.”

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2002», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 127 (2003), pp. 649-682, p. 649

  19. 2006

    The moat section by the Nicosia Field Club near Pafos Gate was paved, and the interior masonry of Famagusta Gate was conserved and limewashed. Printed cost 52.923.

    Repair and conservation

    Pavlos Flourentzos, Annual Report of the Department of Antiquities for the Year 2006 (Lefkosia 2008), p. 19

  20. 2007

    General maintenance and vegetation clearance, and restoration of the masonry on the inside of Famagusta Gate by spraying with limewater. Printed cost 2.544.

    Repair and conservation

    Pavlos Flourentzos, Annual Report of the Department of Antiquities for the Year 2007 (Lefkosia 2008), p. 18

  21. Undated

    Conservation of the medieval walls, funded by UNHCR.

    Repair and conservation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1997», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 122 (1998), pp. 663-703, p. 664; Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1998», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 123 (1999), pp. 599-633, p. 600

  22. Undated

    Consolidation and restoration of the city walls of Nicosia.

    Repair and conservation

    Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1992», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 117 (1993), pp. 719-755, p. 755; Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1994», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 119 (1995), pp. 799-838, p. 838; Pavlos Flourentzos, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2003 et 2004», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 128 (2004), pp. 1635-1708, p. 1704

  23. Undated

    Major restoration work on the Nicosia ramparts.

    Repair and conservation

    Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1992», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 117 (1993), pp. 719-755, p. 755; Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1994», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 119 (1995), pp. 799-838, p. 838; Pavlos Flourentzos, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2003 et 2004», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 128 (2004), pp. 1635-1708, p. 1704

  24. Undated

    Restoration completed as a bicommunal project funded by UNOPS.

    Repair and conservation

    As printed

    “The restoration of the Venetian Walls of Nicosia, as a bicommunal project and funded by UNOPS, has also been completed.”

    Anon., "UNESCO Heritage List", Cyprus Today vol. 49, no. 4 (October–December 2011), pp. 26–32, p. 26.

  25. Undated

    Restoration of the medieval fortifications of Nicosia continued, funded by UNOPS.

    Repair and conservation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1997», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 122 (1998), pp. 663-703, p. 664; Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1998», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 123 (1999), pp. 599-633, p. 600

  26. Undated

    Restoration works mentioned as an example of the year's major conservation.

    Repair and conservation

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1998», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 123 (1999), pp. 599-633, p. 631; Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2000», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 125 (2001), pp. 743-777, pp. 743, 775

In the literature

11
  1. 1567

    Built from 1567; demolition of churches and monasteries between old and new walls, sandstone reused for facing the new walls.

    As printed

    “Consequently, in 1567 the Venetian Crown began designing the new walls of Nicosia.”

    Eftychia Zachariou Kaila, "The Cistercian Convent of St. Theodore in Nicosia", Cyprus Today vol. 45, no. 1 (January–March 2007), pp. 2–11, p. 2.

  2. 1567

    Circular walls with eleven heart-shaped parapets built by Venetians from 1567, under Gulio Savorgnano, financed by named families.

    As printed

    “The walls were circular in shape with 11 heart-shaped parapets which were named after the families which contributed to the financing of the work”

    Lefki Michaelidou, "Cartography of the Venetians", Cyprus Today vol. 44, no. 4 (October–December 2006), pp. 40–45, p. 43.

  3. 1567

    Star-shaped Venetian fortifications with eleven bastions built 1567-1570 under Giulio Savorgnano, replacing Lusignan walls; later openings cut through them.

    As printed

    “The new walls had the shape of a star with eleven bastions”

    Anon., "Nicosia: From the ancient Kingdom of Ledra to the last divided capital in the world", Cyprus Today vol. 48, no. 1 (January–March 2010), pp. 4–23, p. 13.

  4. 1567

    Walls standing today were built by the Venetians in 1567; the earlier Lusignan walls of 1375 were destroyed by the Genoese and Mamelukes.

    As printed

    “The Venetians built the walls standing today in 1567.”

    Anon., "[untitled]", Cyprus Today vol. 3, no. 2 (March–April 1965), p. 15.

  5. 1571

    Venetians constructed new walls in Nicosia which remain to this day, for better defence of the city.

    As printed

    “The Venetians constructed new walls in Nicosia which remain to this day, for the better defence of the city.”

    Menelaos Christodoulou, "Nicosia: Name and Tradition", Cyprus Today vol. 15, no. 3-4 (May–August 1977), pp. 2–7, p. 7.

  6. 1657

    Venetian town walls still reasonably preserved; the gate through which they entered was very fine and strong; some ordnance seen.

    As printed

    “The town walls built by the Venetians being still reasonably preserved, and the gate through which we entered very fine and strong”

    Anon., "A Dutch Nobleman in Cyprus in 1657", Cyprus Today vol. 4, no. 1-4 (January–July 1966), pp. 8–9, p. 9.

5 more
  1. 1996

    Rehabilitation programme begun, funded by UNHCR.

    Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1996», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 121 (1997), pp. 891-933, p. 891

  2. 2002

    Medieval walls of Nicosia; Rocca bastion near Paphos Gate completed.

    Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2002», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 127 (2003), pp. 649-682, p. 679

  3. Undated

    Designed by Venetian engineer Giulio Savorgnano; considered prototype of Renaissance military architecture.

    As printed

    “Nicosia’s Venetian walls, designed by the Venetian engineer Giulio Savorgnano”

    Anon., "Italian Cultural Month 2010", Cyprus Today vol. 48, no. 2 (April–June 2010), pp. 45–48, p. 48.

  4. Undated

    Narrow streets inside its medieval walls show scars of the Turkish invasion; walls mentioned only as setting.

    As printed

    “when you walk today down the narrow streets inside its medieval walls you will see again the scars”

    Lellos Demetriades, "Nicosia, Capital of Cyprus", Cyprus Today vol. 15, no. 3-4 (May–August 1977), p. 1.

  5. Undated

    Part of the city's Venetian walls and bastions, described as a landmark and a model of Renaissance military architecture, depicted in the ECM95 logo.

    As printed

    “part of the city's Venetian walls and its bastions, which are a landmark as well as being considered a model of Renaissance military architecture”

    Anon., "ECM95 Logo", Cyprus Today vol. 33, no. 2-3 (May–October 1995), p. 72.

Pictures

18

In our archive · 17

Costas and Rita Severis Foundation1 painting1960
  • painting, 1960

Sources

  1. 1.Department of Antiquities, Cyprus, «Ελεγχόμενες περιοχές από το Τμήμα Αρχαιοτήτων» (Controlled areas by the Department of Antiquities), open dataset, first issued 8 February 2018, modified 16 January 2024, CC BY 4.0, row no. 1 Online
  2. 2.Supplement No. 1 to The Cyprus Gazette No. 2441 of 10 May 1935, A Bill entitled A Law to consolidate and amend the Law relating to Antiquities [the Antiquities Law, 1935], First Schedule, District of Nicosia, item 7, p. 324, PDF p. 344 Online
  3. 3.The Cyprus Gazette of 13 April 1933 (Notice No. 316), PDF p. 250 Online
  4. 4.The National Archives, Kew, CO 1069/694, CO 1069-694-21, «Nicosia. Small Mosque on the Ramparts, containing the tomb of the Bairakdar (Standard-bearer) who first (September, 1570) planted the Turkish flag on the wall.», 1900-1910, The National Archives on Flickr Commons Online
  5. 5.The National Archives, Kew, CO 1069/694, CO 1069-694-15, «Nicosia. One of the gates», 1900-1910, The National Archives on Flickr Commons Online
  6. 6.Wellcome Collection, London, 18986i, «Nicosia: a gate in the city walls», 1878 Online
  7. 7.Wellcome Collection, London, 18988i, «Nicosia: two men on the walls», 1878 Online
  8. 8.Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), Costas and Rita Severis Foundation, Nicosia, online catalogue: pht_00219g, “Venetian Wall curtain between Constanza bastion and Podocatoro bastion”, 1950 - 1960, ; pht_00219k, “"Kolokasi" entrance of Venetian walls between Podocatoro bastion and Constanza bastion”, 1940 - 1950, https://cvar.severis.org/en/collections/item/kolokasi-entrance-of-venetian-walls-between-podocatoro-bastion-and-constanza-bastion/20807/; pht_00219l, “Venetian Wall curtain between Constanza bastion and Podocatoro bastion”, 1940 - 1950, https://cvar.severis.org/en/collections/item/venetian-wall-curtain-between-constanza-bastion-and-podocatoro-bastion-2/20808/; and 11 more records Online
  9. 9.Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1991», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 116 (1992), pp. 793-831, p. 831
  10. 10.Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1992», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 117 (1993), pp. 719-755, p. 755
  11. 11.Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1994», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 119 (1995), pp. 799-838, p. 838
  12. 12.Pavlos Flourentzos, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2003 et 2004», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 128 (2004), pp. 1635-1708, p. 1704
  13. 13.Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1993», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 118 (1994), pp. 647-693, p. 691
  14. 14.Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1996», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 121 (1997), pp. 891-933, p. 891
  15. 15.Dimos Christou, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1996», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 121 (1997), pp. 891-933, p. 932
  16. 16.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1997», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 122 (1998), pp. 663-703, p. 664
  17. 17.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1998», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 123 (1999), pp. 599-633, p. 600
  18. 18.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1998», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 123 (1999), pp. 599-633, p. 631
  19. 19.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2000», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 125 (2001), pp. 743-777, pp. 743, 775
  20. 20.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 1999», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 124 (2000), pp. 665-699, p. 696
  21. 21.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2000», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 125 (2001), pp. 743-777, p. 767
  22. 22.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2001», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 126 (2002), pp. 691-727, pp. 717-718
  23. 23.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2001», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 126 (2002), pp. 691-727, p. 727
  24. 24.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2002», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 127 (2003), pp. 649-682, p. 679
  25. 25.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2001», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 126 (2002), pp. 691-727, pp. 717-718 [document register bch-chronique-2001]
  26. 26.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2000», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 125 (2001), pp. 743-777, p. 767 [document register bch-chronique-2000]
  27. 27.Sophoklis Hadjisavvas, «Chronique des fouilles et découvertes archéologiques à Chypre en 2002», Bulletin de correspondance hellénique 127 (2003), pp. 649-682, p. 649
  28. 28.Pavlos Flourentzos, Annual Report of the Department of Antiquities for the Year 2006 (Lefkosia 2008), p. 19
  29. 29.Colonial Office, Annual Report on Cyprus for the Year 1947 (London: HMSO, 1948), p. 46
  30. 30.Colonial Office, Annual Report on Cyprus for the Year 1948 (London: HMSO, 1949), p. 43
  31. 31.Anon., "[untitled]", Cyprus Today vol. 3, no. 2 (March–April 1965), p. 15.
  32. 32.Menelaos Christodoulou, "Nicosia: Name and Tradition", Cyprus Today vol. 15, no. 3-4 (May–August 1977), pp. 2–7, p. 7.
  33. 33.Anon., "ECM95 Logo", Cyprus Today vol. 33, no. 2-3 (May–October 1995), p. 72.
  34. 34.Eftychia Zachariou Kaila, "The Cistercian Convent of St. Theodore in Nicosia", Cyprus Today vol. 45, no. 1 (January–March 2007), pp. 2–11, p. 2.
  35. 35.Anon., "Nicosia: From the ancient Kingdom of Ledra to the last divided capital in the world", Cyprus Today vol. 48, no. 1 (January–March 2010), pp. 4–23, p. 13.
  36. 36.Anon., "UNESCO Heritage List", Cyprus Today vol. 49, no. 4 (October–December 2011), pp. 26–32, p. 26.
  37. 37.Colonial Office, Report on Cyprus for the Year 1951 (London: HMSO, 1952), p. 57
  38. 38.Anon., "A Dutch Nobleman in Cyprus in 1657", Cyprus Today vol. 4, no. 1-4 (January–July 1966), pp. 8–9, p. 9.
  39. 39.Colonial Office, Colonial Reports: Cyprus 1954 (London: HMSO, 1955), p. 127
  40. 40.Pavlos Flourentzos, Annual Report of the Department of Antiquities for the Year 2007 (Lefkosia 2008), p. 18
  41. 41.Colonial Office, Cyprus: Report for the Year 1956 (London: HMSO, 1957), p. 89
  42. 42.Colonial Office, Cyprus: Report for the Year 1959 (London: HMSO, 1961), p. 86
  43. 43.Lellos Demetriades, "Nicosia, Capital of Cyprus", Cyprus Today vol. 15, no. 3-4 (May–August 1977), p. 1.
  44. 44.Lefki Michaelidou, "Cartography of the Venetians", Cyprus Today vol. 44, no. 4 (October–December 2006), pp. 40–45, p. 43.
  45. 45.Anon., "Italian Cultural Month 2010", Cyprus Today vol. 48, no. 2 (April–June 2010), pp. 45–48, p. 48.

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