The Selimiye Mosque is a majestic monument in the heart of old Nicosia, once the Cathedral of St Sophia. Traces of the Christian and Islamic eras and a testimony to the island’s rich cultural mix.
In the north of Cyprus, in the heart of old Nicosia, stands a majestic monument with a fascinating history – the Selimiye Mosque. This imposing building, once a proud cathedral dedicated to St Sophia, bears traces of both the Christian and the Islamic eras.
Today Selimiye is an active mosque and also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can admire the beauty of its Gothic architecture and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a peaceful spiritual space.
In the 13th century as the Cathedral of St Sophia
Since 1571
Free, outside prayer times
The origins of the Selimiye Mosque go back to the 13th century, when French kings had it built in the Gothic style. The Cathedral of St Sophia became a symbol of the Christian faith in Cyprus. The fateful turning point came in 1571, when the Ottomans conquered Cyprus and took Nicosia – they converted the cathedral into a mosque and named it in honour of Sultan Selim II.
The conversion brought significant changes: two minarets were added, crosses and symbols of the Christian faith were removed and the interior was adapted to the needs of Muslim prayer. Even so, Selimiye has kept many Gothic features – vaulted naves, stained glass and buttresses.
Selimiye is a reminder of the interconnectedness and shared heritage of the cultures that have met in Cyprus for centuries.
The mosque is an active place of prayer, so a few rules apply:
Free entry – there is no entrance fee for the mosque.
Outside prayer times – that is when the mosque is open to the public.
Take off your shoes – before you go in.
Shoulders and knees covered – women may cover their hair with a scarf.
Respect – be quiet and respectful.
Büyük Han – the Büyük Han caravanserai is a short walk away.
People most often go to North Cyprus on a package holiday – the tour operator arranges the flight and the transfer across the border. More in the article South or North Cyprus?
It was originally the 13th-century Cathedral of St Sophia. In 1571 the Ottomans converted it into a mosque and added two minarets.
No, entry to the mosque is free.
Outside prayer times.
Take off your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees. Women may cover their hair with a scarf.
After the Ottoman Sultan Selim II.
The Selimiye Mosque offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Cyprus – if you are visiting the island, don’t forget to see it.
