Selimiye Camii
4.1
(703 reviews)Nicosia 99010 Cyprus
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
Attraction
About
Selimiye Mosque, formerly St. Sophia Cathedral, stands as the largest surviving Gothic church in Cyprus and the island’s premier mosque. Originally begun in 1209 under the Lusignan dynasty, it served as the coronation church for the Kings of Cyprus before being converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1570. The building’s 66‑by‑21‑meter nave, soaring vaults, and twin minarets combine medieval Gothic splendor with Ottoman‑style ornamentation, creating a striking architectural palimpsest. Today, it attracts pilgrims, history lovers and tourists alike, offering a tangible glimpse into Cyprus’s layered past and the coexistence of Christian and Muslim traditions.
Highlights
- Gothic Mosque Architecture
- Historical Transition
- Cultural Significance