Venetian walls of Nicosia, Defensive wall in Nicosia, Cyprus.
The Venetian walls of Nicosia form a circular fortification system with 11 heart-shaped bastions and three entrance gates that extend for several kilometers around the old city center. The surrounding moat has been transformed into a multipurpose space containing parking areas, sports fields, public gardens, and exhibition venues.
The Venetians built these walls in 1567 to replace earlier Frankish fortifications and protect the city against potential attacks using modern artillery. The construction marked a significant shift to a new defensive architecture specifically designed to withstand firepower threats.
The bastions carry names from influential Venetian families such as Barbaro, Mula, and Tripoli, designations that have survived through centuries. These family names remain visible on city maps and in local conversations, connecting residents to the structure's distant past.
The walls can be explored on foot, as the perimeter and moat are easily accessible and offer good views of the old city. Visitors should be aware that the structure runs between Greek and Turkish city sectors, with some areas potentially restricted.
The fortification system is split between the Greek and Turkish sections of the city, with each side controlling five bastions and one under United Nations administration. This division makes it a visible reminder of the island's political history.
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