Arablar Mosque (Stavros tou Misirikou)

Stavros tou Misirikou is one of the cultural attractions in Nicosia and is located to the east of Faneromeni of Nicosia and the Faneromeni Girls’ School.

A historic building on Lefkonos Street, which before the occupation of Cyprus by the Ottomans in 1570 was an Orthodox temple, the Stavros tou Misirikou dates back to the first half of the 16th century, constructed under the Venetian rule. The small and three-aisled church with a Byzantine- style dome is characterized by Gothic, Italian and Frankish architectural elements, with a shallow aisle and a semicircular arch.

During the Ottoman domination, it was converted into a mosque called the Arablar mosque (Arablar, mosque of the Arabs). At that time, the doors to the west and south were sealed and the northeast side porch was built, to which the little minaret was also added. Indeed, the most likely origin of Misirikou is the product of the word “Misr”, meaning the Arabic Egypt, where most of the Arab slaves came from.

The Stavros tou Misirikou is a breath away from the beautiful bars, cafes and taverns of the old town and the lively Faneromeni square and can be combined with the tour of the narrow streets of the capital.

Stavros tou Misirikou
Lefkonos, next to the church of Panagia Faneromeni
Opening hours: After a telephone arrangement
Contact number: 00357 22865888