Nicosia

Why it's the capital

The Byzantine Empire chose Nicosia as the capital of Cyprus around 965, and later it was the seat of the Lusignan kings. The city is divided by the Green Line: the south is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, and the north is the de facto capital of Northern Cyprus, which only Türkiye recognises.

Fun facts

1. In 1567 the Venetians built new walls around the city in the shape of a star with eleven bastions.
2. Ledra Street, which was barricaded during the conflicts, reopened on 3 April 2008 as a crossing between the two parts of the city.
3. It is the southeasternmost capital of all the European Union member states.