Shacolas Tower, Modern architectural tower in central Nicosia, Cyprus

Shacolas Tower is an eleven-story high-rise in the old town of Nicosia, standing about 50 metres tall against two-story houses and narrow streets. Its first five floors are occupied by H&M stores, the sixth floor holds the Venue Cafeteria, and the eleventh floor houses the Ledra Observatory Museum. The building was completed in 1959 and was formerly known as the Manglis Tower.

Completed in 1959 by Costas Manglis, the tower first housed the offices of the General Engineering and Hellenic Mining Company and was known as the Manglis Tower. It remained Cyprus's tallest building until 1978. It later took the name of Nicos Shacolas, its owner.

The top floor houses a museum developed with the Leventis Museum, where visitors find exhibits about the city's past through photographs and objects. This space reflects how locals connect their present surroundings to the older neighborhoods nearby.

Access to the museum on the top floor is straightforward, and visitors enjoy clear views across the city from there. Coming earlier in the day is best if you want good light for photographs and sightseeing.

Visitors can use installed telescopes and binoculars on the observation deck to explore city details and the surrounding landscape. The recorded commentary helps explain what you are looking at as you scan across the neighborhoods below.