Selimiye Mosque (St Sophia Cathedral)
A breathtaking fusion of 13th-century Gothic cathedral and Ottoman mosque, showcasing centuries of Nicosia's rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Selimiye Mosque (St Sophia Cathedral)
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking fusion of 13th-century Gothic cathedral and Ottoman mosque, showcasing centuries of Nicosia's rich history.
"A masterpiece that leaves visitors in awe, blending Gothic grandeur with Islamic heritage."
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees; women need a headscarf. Clothing often provided.
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid long queues by visiting outside peak hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gothic Grandeur
Interior
Marvel at the soaring pointed arches and intricate stonework of its 13th-century Gothic cathedral origins.
Islamic Adaptations
Interior
Observe the harmonious blend of original Christian elements with later Ottoman additions, creating a unique spiritual space.
Stained Glass Glow
Interior
Experience the soft, ethereal light filtering through the beautiful stained glass windows, casting a unique glow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code & Respect
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees; women need a headscarf. Clothing often provided.
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid long queues by visiting outside peak hours.
📸 Look Up for Shots
Capture the stunning architecture by aiming your camera upwards.
🚶♀️ Explore the City
Centrally located, perfect for combining with a city walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees; women need a headscarf. Clothing often provided.
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid long queues by visiting outside peak hours.
📸 Look Up for Shots
Capture the stunning architecture by aiming your camera upwards.
🚶♀️ Explore the City
Centrally located, perfect for combining with a city walk.
🙏 Respect the Quiet
Remember it's an active place of worship.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Selimiye Mosque for its stunning Gothic architecture and its harmonious blend with Islamic elements after its conversion. The beautifully restored interior, peaceful atmosphere, and central location make it a highly recommended stop for anyone interested in history, architecture, or cultural heritage. Some note that it's an active mosque requiring modest dress, and photography should be respectful.
"The Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia is an absolutely stunning piece of architecture. Regardless of one’s faith or beliefs, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer beauty and historical significance of this building. Originally a Gothic cathedral, it has been transformed into a mosque while still preserving its breathtaking medieval character. The towering spires, intricate stonework, and vast interior create an awe-inspiring atmosphere that feels both peaceful and majestic. A visit here truly feels like stepping back in time, offering a unique glimpse into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Cyprus. An absolute must-see for anyone visiting Nicosia."
Paul Sunbed
"Beautifully Restored Mosque Worth Visiting
After a long period of restoration, the mosque is finally open to visitors again — and it’s definitely worth a stop. The building has been beautifully restored, and it’s great to see it brought back to life in the heart of the city.
What’s especially nice is that the mosque is open to all visitors, regardless of dress. If you’re not wearing the proper outfit, they provide appropriate clothing at the entrance so you can still go inside and enjoy the space respectfully.
The interior is peaceful and elegant, and it offers a glimpse into the cultural and historical heritage of the area. Its central location also makes it very easy to include in a city walk or day out.
A lovely place to visit, whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply exploring meaningful landmarks."
Naz _ Gol
"Selimiye Mosque: A breathtaking fusion of Gothic architecture and Islamic heritage
Located right in the center of Nicosia, Selimiye Mosque is not just a place of worship, but a masterpiece that leaves visitors in awe. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by towering columns, elegant pointed arches and light gently filtering through stained glass. It’s a truly majestic space.
Originally built in the 13th century as St. Sophia Cathedral, the building is the finest example of French Gothic architecture on the island. After the Ottoman conquest in 1571, it was converted into a mosque and given its current name. The Islamic elements added inside blend harmoniously with the cathedral’s original design.
What stands out:
The height and size of the interior is absolutely stunning
Soft lighting and quiet atmosphere create a peaceful space
The stained glass windows give the hall a unique glow
From the outside, it still retains its cathedral character
Visitor tips:
Respect the quiet, it’s still an active mosque
Aim your camera upward for the best interior shots
Entry is free, and there’s a small information panel at the door
Perfect for anyone interested in architecture, history or both"
İsmail Güngör
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Selimiye Mosque is centrally located in Nicosia, making it easily accessible on foot if you are already in the city center. If arriving from further afield, taxis or local buses are readily available to reach the heart of the old town where the mosque is situated.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the mosque can be challenging due to its central location in the old city. It's advisable to use public parking lots a short walk away or consider public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Selimiye Mosque is free. Visitors are welcome to explore the beautiful interior and appreciate its historical significance without charge.
The mosque is generally open to visitors during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check for specific times as it is an active place of worship and hours can vary. It's best to visit outside of prayer times.
Yes, as an active mosque, modest dress is required. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and women need to wear a headscarf. If you are not dressed appropriately, clothing is usually provided at the entrance.
Absolutely! Selimiye Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. It's a place to appreciate history and architecture, regardless of religious beliefs.
While the historic nature of the building may present some challenges, efforts are often made to accommodate visitors. It's recommended to contact the mosque directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often highlight the soaring columns, elegant pointed arches, and the soft lighting from the stained glass windows. Don't forget to look up to capture the impressive scale and architectural details.
A visit typically takes about 30-60 minutes, allowing time to admire the architecture, soak in the atmosphere, and take photos. You might spend longer if you're deeply interested in history or architecture.
Photography is generally permitted inside Selimiye Mosque, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and avoid flash photography. Aiming your camera upwards is recommended for the best interior shots.
Originally built in the 13th century as the St. Sophia Cathedral, it's a prime example of Gothic architecture. After the Ottoman conquest in 1571, it was converted into a mosque and renamed Selimiye Mosque.
While both are former cathedrals converted into mosques, Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, whereas Hagia Sophia in Istanbul showcases Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, being in the heart of Nicosia's old town, there are numerous cafes and restaurants surrounding Selimiye Mosque offering local Cypriot cuisine and international options.
No, eating is not permitted inside Selimiye Mosque as it is an active place of worship. There are many dining options available just outside the mosque.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior, with its grand scale and stained glass, offers fantastic photo opportunities. Aiming your camera upwards to capture the arches and ceiling is highly recommended. The exterior also retains much of its cathedral character, making for interesting shots.
It's best to avoid using flash photography inside Selimiye Mosque to be respectful of worshippers and the delicate interior. Natural light filtering through the windows creates beautiful photographic conditions.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for capturing the expansive interior and architectural details. Even a smartphone can capture stunning images with good lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look up and imagine the building's past as both a grand cathedral and a mosque. The stained glass windows can also be a point of interest. Remember to keep voices low and be mindful of prayer times. The mosque's central location means it can be easily incorporated into a day of exploring Nicosia, with plenty of nearby cafes for a break.
🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs
Take your time to appreciate the intricate stonework, the soaring height of the nave, and the unique quality of light from the stained glass. The building's transformation from St. Sophia Cathedral to Selimiye Mosque is a compelling story that unfolds as you explore its spaces. Consider researching its history beforehand to fully grasp its significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tale of Two Faiths: Architecture and History
Following the Ottoman conquest in 1571, the cathedral was transformed into a mosque, renamed Selimiye Mosque. This conversion involved the addition of Islamic elements, such as the mihrab and minaret, which were carefully integrated with the existing Gothic structure. The result is a unique architectural fusion, where the grandeur of medieval Europe meets the spiritual resonance of Ottoman Islam. This blend is what makes Selimiye Mosque a truly captivating landmark, offering a glimpse into the island's complex cultural tapestry.
Many visitors are struck by how the building retains its cathedral character from the outside while serving as a mosque within. This duality is a powerful visual representation of Cyprus's historical transitions. The restoration efforts have further enhanced its beauty, ensuring that both its Gothic and Islamic heritage are preserved and appreciated by all who visit.
Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips from Travelers
To avoid the largest crowds, aim to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This is particularly helpful if you want to take photos without too many people in the frame. Speaking of photos, remember to look upwards! The most striking architectural details are often found in the soaring ceilings and intricate archways.
Finally, remember that Selimiye Mosque is an active place of worship. While it welcomes visitors of all faiths, maintaining a respectful and quiet demeanor is essential. Its central location makes it an easy addition to any walking tour of Nicosia, allowing you to soak in both its historical significance and the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding city.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit