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Paphos Gate

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Landmark
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Paphos Gate (Cyprus)

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The Paphos Gate is one of the three original entrances to the Venetian fortifications of Nicosia, marking the western access to the historic old city. It was constructed between 1567 and 1570 under the direction of the Italian military engineer Giulio Savorgnano, who designed the city walls according to the most advanced Renaissance defensive principles. Originally named Porta San Domenico, it was called after a prominent Dominican monastery that stood nearby but was demolished to make way for the new fortifications. The architecture features a simple yet massive stone barrel vault embedded deep into the rampart to provide maximum protection against artillery fire. Today, the gate is situated directly adjacent to the UN Buffer Zone, giving it a unique political and historical significance as a landmark along the division of the city. In modern times, the surrounding infrastructure was adapted for urban traffic, but the original stonework has been carefully preserved as a key monument of Venetian rule in Cyprus.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141416192327303028242016
Rain mm7242231392116153071

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Paphos Gate is one of the three historical city gates of the Venetian fortifications of Nicosia. It is freely accessible from the outside at any time, but the interior is not open to the public.
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Typical hours
As the gate is an open monument, there are no specific visiting hours. You can see it at any time during the day. For guided tours of the walls, ask at the tourist office.
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Photography
Photography is possible from the outside at any time. The best perspective is from the opposite side of the street or while walking along the city walls.
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Time needed
A short stop of 5 to 10 minutes is enough to view the gate and take photos. If you want to explore the entire circuit wall, allow about an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the gate with a walk along the Venetian walls and a visit to the other gates, such as the Famagusta Gate. The old town of Nicosia with its souks and museums is also nearby.
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Getting there
Paphos Gate is located at the junction of Athalassas and Omirou streets near the center of Nicosia. It is easily reachable on foot, with public buses stopping at 'Eleftheria Square'.
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Insider tip
Visit the gate early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and to avoid traffic. A good spot for a souvenir photo, combined with a walk on the walls.

Geography

Coordinates
35.17380, 33.35620

Facts

  • Built between 1567 and 1570 during the Venetian period
  • Designed by the famous military engineer Giulio Savorgnano
  • Originally known as the Porta San Domenico
  • One of three main gates in the 4.5 km long city wall
  • Located today directly on the Green Line (UN Buffer Zone)
  • Served as the primary entry point from the island's west coast

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cyprus MuseumCyprus Museum<1 km · SWExplore →
Agios Nikolaos ChurchAgios Nikolaos Church2 km · NExplore →
StrovolosStrovolos2 km · SWExplore →
Pedieos ValleyPedieos Valley2 km · NWExplore →
KaimakliKaimakli4 km · NExplore →
Charalambides Christis DairyCharalambides Christis Dairy4 km · SWExplore →
Papafilippou Luna ParkPapafilippou Luna Park5 km · SWExplore →
Extreme ParkExtreme Park5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Paphos Gate (10)

Markos Drakos Statue

Statue in Nicosia commemorating the Cypriot resistance fighter.

Paphos Gate

City gate in Nicosia, part of the Venetian fortifications.

Casteliotissa Medieval Hall

Medieval hall, originally a church.

Church of the Holy Cross

Church in Nicosia, Cyprus, a place of worship.

Pallas cinema-theatre

Cinema and theatre in Nicosia, a cultural venue.

Our Lady Of Graces

Cathedral in the Republic of Cyprus.

Nicosia Municipal Theater

Theatre building in Nicosia, opened in the 1960s, closed in 2008.

Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum🏛 museum

Founded by Andreas Nicolaou, collection of historic motorcycles since 1980.

Church of Our Lady of Tire

Armenian church and monastery, Gothic style, 18th-19th centuries, used as salt storage.

Nicosia Municipal Gardens🌳 park

Building in Nicosia, part of the municipal park.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you see at the Paphos Gate?
It is one of the three historic gates in Nicosia's Venetian wall.
Is the gate near the buffer zone?
Yes, it is located right on the Green Line that divides the city.
Is photography allowed there?
Photos of the wall are allowed, but watch for prohibitions towards military posts.
Is there a church there?
Yes, very close by stands the Catholic Holy Cross Church.
Can you walk on the wall?
In some places near the gate, you can see the fortifications from above.
Paphos Gate: where is it located?
Paphos Gate is located in Cyprus.
Paphos Gate: what is there to see?
Highlights include Markos Drakos Statue, Paphos Gate, Casteliotissa Medieval Hall.
Paphos Gate: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Paphos Gate: why is it worth visiting?
The Paphos Gate is one of the three original entrances to the Venetian fortifications of Nicosia, marking the western access to the historic old city.
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History & landmarks

Lefkara — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
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A world-famous village for traditional lace and silverwork, with architecture defined by its namesake white limestone.
Venetian Walls of Nicosia — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
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These star-shaped fortifications were built in the 16th century by the Venetians.
Frourio Castle — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Frourio Castle
Remains of a defensive structure near Nicosia that is historically significant.
Omerye Mosque — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Omerye Mosque
The mosque in Nicosia was built on the remains of a 14th-century Augustinian monastery.
Famagusta Gate — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Famagusta Gate
One of the three historical entrance gates of the Venetian fortifications of Nicosia.
Alaas Mosque — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Alaas Mosque
This mosque is located in the district of Nicosia.

Nature

Pedieos River — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
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The longest river in Cyprus, flowing from the Troodos Mountains through Nicosia.

More places

Solomou Square Central Bus Station — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
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The main hub for intercity and urban bus services in Nicosia, a key public transport node.
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The museum documents the history of Nicosia from antiquity to the present day.
Dervish Pasha Mansion — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Dervish Pasha Mansion
A well-preserved example of Ottoman architecture in Nicosia.
Panagia Phaneromeni Church — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Panagia Phaneromeni Church
A significant church within the walls of Nicosia.
Mitsides Flour Mill — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Mitsides Flour Mill
One of the oldest and largest flour mills in Cyprus, a key part of the island's grain industry.
Agios Ioannis Cathedral — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Agios Ioannis Cathedral
The main cathedral of the Cypriot Orthodox Church in Nicosia.
Byzantine Museum — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Byzantine Museum
This museum in Nicosia houses one of the world's largest collections of Byzantine icons.
Archbishop&#39;s Palace — Paphos Gate (Cyprus)
Archbishop's Palace
The official seat of the Archbishop of the Autocephalous Church of Cyprus in Nicosia.