NICOSIA, CYPRUS - Walking Tour - Ledra to Makarios - March 2024. [Immersive Sound/4K Ultra HD] 

SHARE CYPRUS WALKS - LEDRA STREET TO MAKARIOS AVENUE - MARCH 2024. No narration, no edits - "Share Cyprus Walks" are the way to walk around Cyprus from anywhere in the world. This walk starts just north of the Ledra Street crossing point (the part of Nicosia where the city is divided and people cross to and from Northern Cyprus on Foot).
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About this Share Cyprus Walk in Nicosia, Cyprus
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Date: 7th March 2024
Time: Around 3pm
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Ledra Street, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Our walk starts just north of the Ledra Street crossing point (the part of Nicosia where the city is divided and people cross to and from Northern Cyprus on Foot).
This is part of Nicosia Old Town and we love this part of the city. It is multicultural and vibrant, especially at the weekend. Remember that our walk was on a Thursday afternoon at around 3 p.m.
We didn't have a chance on this walk, but if you venture to the streets on either side of Ledra Street and out towards Famagusta Gate, you see some fantastic old buildings. Many of these are now refurbished (but maintain their traditional styles).
Ledra Street is a mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
A real hotspot on Ledra Street is McDonald's!
Obviously, Mcdonald's is popular with those living in the south side of Cyprus, but in Northern Cyprus, there are no chains like McDonald's!
Due to this, many people, particularly those who live on the northern side of Nicosia, cross over to grab a Big Mac and fries!
This must be one of the only places in the world where you need a passport or ID card to get a Big Mac!
Ledra Street ends when you reach Eleftheria Square (which means Liberty or Freedom Square in English).
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Eleftheria Square Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Previously, Eleftheria Square was called Metaxas Square, but it was renamed in 1974 following a competition held by the then Mayor of Nicosia.
The Square's unofficial history starts in 1567, when the Venetians, who then ruled Cyprus, built the capital’s famous walls.
In 1882, British colonial authorities decided to demolish part of the Venetian walls and build a wooden bridge at the top of Ledras Street to connect the walled city with the government offices.
The bridge and the area around it became known as Limassol or Hadjisavva opening.
Over the years, the bridge became a square, and today, Eleftheria Square is a modern, large open space in the heart of the capital city of Cyprus.
On this walk, we cross over the top of the square, but underneath, there are wide open spaces and a chance to enjoy a close-up look at the Venetian Walls, which remain in excellent condition today.
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Makarios Avenue (known locally as Makariou) Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Along with Eleftheria Square Square, Makarios Avenue is considered the absolute centre of Nicosia and covers a distance of 2 kilometres.
In colonial times, Makarios Avenue was named Pluto Street and was the main route to Limassol.
It was lined with residential buildings, which have since been torn down and commercial properties built on the land.
Buildings such as the Lyssiotis Mansion, built in 1928, are among the remaining original buildings. It is now the Head Office of the National Bank of Greece in Cyprus.
Recently, the area has been transformed into a commercial district, with many of the original buildings demolished to make way for shops and office blocks. It is a wonderful space in the heart of Nicosia.
However, Makarios Avenue was closed for a long time to facilitate its redevelopment (planting trees, creating lovely seating areas, etc.).
The unfortunate result of this is that during this time, people stopped visiting this part of Nicosia and started shopping and dining elsewhere (for example, at the two huge shopping malls on the outskirts of Nicosia).
At the time of this walk, many shops and businesses are closing down and the street is so quiet (as you can see!).
Fingers crossed, this will change in time.
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The 360 Building
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Our walk ends at the 360 Building.
360 Nicosia can be seen from most parts of Nicosia and for many of us who live here, the building helps us understand where we are in relation to the city's centre.
A number of similar buildings are currently under construction, so the Nicosia skyline will change considerably over the coming years.
The building is 135m-high, composed of 34 floors of apartments (with shops on the ground floor).
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Tags:
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eleftheria square nicosia
ledra street
ledra street nicosia
nicosia city centre
nicosia walking tour