Selimiye Mosque: What to See and How to Visit

Undoubtedly, this is the main mosque of the capital and, therefore, of the entire Northern Cyprus.

• Selimiye Mosque
• History of the Mosque
• Entrance and Visiting Hours
• How to Get There
• Frequently Asked Questions

Selimiye Mosque

The Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia is a stunning example of Gothic and Ottoman architecture. The mosque accommodates 2,500 worshippers, with 1,750 square meters dedicated to prayers. The structure is distinguished by its towering minarets, high vaulted ceilings, and intricate stonework characteristic of the Gothic style.

During the Lusignan and Genoese periods, the cathedral served as the coronation church for the kings of Cyprus, and today, the Selimiye Mosque remains an active place of worship and a symbol of the island's layered cultural heritage. Visitors can admire its unique architecture and interior.

History of the Selimiye Mosque

This landmark, known as one of the largest medieval buildings in Cyprus, was originally built as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in the 13th century. However, a church from the Byzantine period previously stood on this site: an 11th-century manuscript mentions the existence of an episcopal church in the city, also dedicated to Saint Sophia.

The date of the first stone of the cathedral’s foundation is approximately 1209, although some evidence points to an earlier start of construction, with the involvement of the Knights Templar.

In 1267 and 1303, the still unfinished cathedral suffered damage from earthquakes and was subsequently rebuilt. In 1326, the cathedral was consecrated and officially opened.

The church was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of the island in 1570, gradually adopting a blend of Islamic and Christian architectural features.

The first Friday prayer took place on September 15, 1570, and in the same year, two minarets were added, along with Islamic elements such as the mihrab and minbar.

On August 13, 1954, the mufti of Cyprus officially renamed the mosque "Selimiye Mosque" in honor of Ottoman Sultan Selim II, who led the empire during the conquest of Cyprus.

Entrance to the Mosque and Visiting Hours

Entrance to the Selimiye Mosque is free, but remember to remove your shoes. The mosque is open for visits daily from sunrise to sunset. However, if you are not a practicing Muslim, it’s best to avoid visiting during prayer times.

How to Get to the Selimiye Mosque

The Selimiye Mosque is located in the center of the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. You can see its location on the map below. You can take a bus to the stop near Kyrenia Gate, from where it’s less than a kilometer walk to the mosque, or you can catch a taxi, which often waits near this entrance to the old town.

Drivers will be pleased to know that there is parking near the mosque on the side of the Bandabulya Market. Here are the coordinates for your navigator: 35.176040907277056, 33.364684949797734.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Selimiye Mosque

Are there other similar places in Northern Cyprus?

Something very similar can be seen in Famagusta — the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, formerly the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas.

How should I dress when visiting the mosque?

Although this is a landmark and a former Christian temple, it is primarily a mosque today, so you should dress accordingly, even in the scorching Cypriot summer: long skirts, trousers, and t-shirts with covered shoulders.

What other interesting places are nearby?

Nearby mosques include Haydar Pasha and Laleli. Also nearby is the Lusignan House, the oldest hammam in Cyprus, and right next door — the Büyük Han complex.

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