Buyuk Han, also known as Great Inn, was built in 1572 as a prison and was converted to a hostel for the poor later in 1893. This biggest caravanserai in Cyprus is considered as one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the country. A major restoration was done in 1992 and the building was then opened as a tourist attraction. Currently, the building has a few restaurants, cafes, and shops selling traditional handicrafts.
This two-story building now serves as Cyprus' Handicrafts and Cultural Center. The building comprises 68 rooms around an inner courtyard. Each room has hexagonal or octagonal stone chimneys above the fireplaces. It is believed that these chimneys might have originated from the erstwhile medieval building at this place. It houses ten shops which have an opening towards the street. There is an Ottoman mosque situated in the center of the courtyard. Adjacent to the mosque there is a fountain used for ablutions. The stones used to build the masjid were believed to be from the other ancient building here. The masjid looks similar to the masjids built-in Anatolian caravanserais. The building has two entrances, the main entrance on the east and the other on the west. The first floor of the building, once used as accommodation, now houses the “Traditional Cyprus Turkish Shadow Theater”. The courtyard is a perfect place to sit and relax. You can listen to live music in the courtyard on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Buyuk Han is one of the major places of tourist interest in Nicosia. The cafes and shops in the building serve the visitors well. You can also buy traditional handicrafts, shawls, pottery, and carvings from Buyuk Han. Several social activities are conducted in the building premises frequently, including folklore dance shows, dramas, and piano recitals. You can also have the chance to taste homemade wine while listening to the soothing music.
From Larnaca Airport:
Bus services are available to Nicosia which is 57 kilometers away. It will be a 2 hour and 29-minute travel and the ticket cost will be 8 € for Adults and 5 € for Children
A 46-minute taxi drive (58.8 kilometers) will take you to Nicosia. The cost ranges from 45 € to 50 €
Airport Shuttle from Larnaca Airport to Nicosia will take 45 minutes and the distance to cover is 50.4 kilometers
From Nicosia:
By Walk
A 2-minute walk (217 meters) from the city center is enough to reach the location
Sunday : 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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