Bedesten

The Bedesten in Nicosia is a historic building in the Selimiye quarter in the north of the city, right next to the Selimiye Mosque. Its history stretches back more than a thousand years and reflects the shifting rule over Cyprus. Originally built as a Byzantine basilica in the sixth century, the site later served as a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Under Venetian rule, the building became the seat of the Orthodox metropolitan and acquired its striking north facade as well as its dome. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted in 1573 into a bedesten, a covered market that was used first for textiles and later for food. Over time, the building also served as a granary and storehouse before standing temporarily unused in the 1930s.

Architecturally, the Bedesten is a unique mosaic of different stylistic eras. It combines Byzantine foundations with Gothic elements added during the Lusignan period, and it also shows features of French, Venetian, and Spanish Renaissance design. The north facade is especially richly decorated and forms the main entrance. There you'll find an elaborate Gothic portal flanked by coats of arms, as well as numerous animal figures and gargoyles. Inside, fragments of the old Byzantine basilica bear witness to the site's early history, while the high ceiling of the nave underscores the Gothic influence.

Following a comprehensive restoration carried out between 2004 and 2009 and honored with a Europa Nostra Award, the Bedesten now functions as a cultural center. The renovation reinforced the vaults and cleaned the walls using traditional techniques. Today you can experience the building during cultural events, including weekly Sufi dance performances and the Nicosia Walls Jazz Festival. The building thus offers an impressive glimpse into the city's multicultural past and serves as a lively space for contemporary art and music.