Plizio Visual Lab
Philippides Tower
The Philippides Tower, now widely recognized as the Shacolas Tower, stands as one of the most prominent modern landmarks within the historic walled city of Nicosia. Constructed during the mid-20th century on the bustling Ledra Street, it held the title of the tallest building in the Cypriot capital for many years. A significant highlight of the tower is the Ledra Observatory located on the 11th floor, which was opened to the public in 1998 to provide a unique viewing platform. From this vantage point, visitors can experience an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city, including the UN-controlled buffer zone and the occupied northern territories backed by the Kyrenia mountain range. The interior features an educational exhibit that combines historical photographs and interactive maps to document the urban evolution of Nicosia over the centuries. Despite the rise of newer skyscrapers in the financial district, the tower remains a central symbol of Nicosia's transition into modernity and is a vital destination for those seeking to understand the city's complex geographical and political landscape.
- Location: Cyprus
- Top sights: Russian Cultural Centre · Golden Gallery · National Art Gallery
- Nearby: Latsia (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 42 | 23 | 13 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 15 | 30 | 71 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The building consists of 11 floors and was long the tallest in Nicosia.
- The Ledra Observatory was officially opened to the public in 1998.
- It is located at the junction of Ledra and Arsinoe Streets.
- Visitors can use telescopes to view the northern part of the island.
- The exhibit documents the city's history starting from the year 1960.
- The lower floors of the tower house a major retail department store.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Philippides Tower (9)
Bairaktar Mosque
Mosque in Nicosia, Cyprus.
D' Avila
Monument in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Agios Georgios Archaeological site - Ledroi
Archaeological site in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Kyriakides Piano Gallery
Piano showroom in Nicosia.
Local Archaeological Museum Ledroi
Documents settlement on Agios Georgios Hill from the Late Chalcolithic (c. 2800-2500 BCE), with remains of a circular dwelling.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Philippides Tower?
Can you climb the tower?
Where in Nicosia is it located?
Is it a historical building?
Are there parking spaces nearby?
Philippides Tower: where is it located?
Philippides Tower: what is there to see?
Philippides Tower: when is the best time to visit?
Philippides Tower: why is it worth visiting?
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