Selimiye Mosque in Lefkoşa — What to See and How to Visit
Selimiye Mosque is located in the Old Town of Lefkoşa and is open to the public free of charge. It is an active mosque and one of the main historical monuments of Northern Cyprus: the building's construction began in 1209, it was consecrated in 1326, and after 1570, the former St. Sophia Cathedral became a mosque. After years of restoration, the site reopened in May 2025, so it is now possible to visit again during a walk through the city center, provided the visit does not coincide with prayer times.
- What is the Selimiye Mosque
- History of the building
- Entrance and visiting hours
- How to get there
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque is one of the most prominent monuments of the Old Town and the largest surviving Gothic building on the island, currently used as an active mosque. Inside, about 1,750 m² is reserved for worship, with a total capacity estimated at approximately 2,500 people.
The main feature of the building is the combination of its Gothic foundation and later Islamic elements. From the outside, the facades and buttresses characteristic of a medieval cathedral are clearly visible, while after the Ottoman period, two minarets, a mihrab, and a minbar were added. Because of this, Selimiye Mosque is considered one of the most recognizable landmarks of Lefkoşa.
Today, it is not a museum but a religious site; therefore, calm behavior, modest clothing, and respect for the prayer schedule are important when visiting.
History of the building
An earlier Byzantine-era church is associated with this site; however, the current building began construction in 1209 as St. Sophia Cathedral. The work took a long time: the structure was damaged by earthquakes in 1267 and 1303, after which it was completed and reinforced, with the final consecration taking place in 1326.
During the Lusignan period, the cathedral held a special status and was used as the coronation church for Cypriot kings. After the Ottoman conquest of Nicosia in 1570, the building was converted into a mosque, and the first Friday prayer was held on September 15, 1570. At that time, the main Islamic interior elements and two minarets were gradually added.
The modern name was established later: on August 13, 1954, the mosque was officially renamed in honor of Sultan Selim II. Between 2019 and 2025, the building underwent extensive restoration, and after the completion of the work, the mosque was reopened for worship and visitors in May 2025.
Entrance and visiting hours
Entrance to the Selimiye Mosque is free. Shoes must be removed before entering, and clothing must cover the shoulders and knees. For a tourist visit, it is best to choose daytime hours between prayers, as access for visitors may be restricted during worship hours.
In practice, it is convenient to aim for a daytime visit from morning until evening. If you want to do more than just see the building from the outside and wish to go inside, it is wise not to arrive at the start of prayer and to keep in mind that visiting hours may change during religious holidays and specific events.
How to do it
- Approach the mosque from the pedestrian streets of the Old Town.
- Ensure that prayer is not in progress at that moment.
- Remove your shoes before entering and maintain a quiet demeanor during your visit.
- Choose modest clothing, especially if you plan to go inside.
How to get there
Selimiye Mosque is located in the center of Lefkoşa, inside the old city walls. By public transport, it is convenient to take a bus to the stop at the Kyrenia Gate, and then walk a little less than 1 km.
If you are traveling by car, it is easier to aim for the parking area near the Bandabuliya Market. From the parking lot, the mosque can be reached on foot in a few minutes.
If you don't have a car, rental options can be found through Discover Cars or directly from one of the rental companies in Northern Cyprus. The rental procedure is explained in detail in the article "Car rental in Northern Cyprus".
It is convenient to combine a visit to the mosque with a walk to neighboring attractions: nearby are Büyük Han, Bedesten, Bandabuliya Market, and an ancient hammam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tourist go inside the Selimiye Mosque?
Yes, usually you can, provided there is no prayer taking place and visiting rules are followed. Since it is an active mosque, access is sometimes restricted according to the religious schedule.
How much does the entrance cost?
Entrance is free. No additional fee is required for a standard visit.
What is the best way to dress?
Modest and neutral clothing is suitable: shoulders and knees should be covered. Shoes are removed before entering.
How much time should be allocated for the visit?
If you are only exploring the mosque and the square around it, 20–30 minutes is usually enough. If you include Büyük Han, Bedesten, and Bandabuliya Market in your route, it is convenient to set aside 1.5–2 hours for a walk around the area.
Are there similar places in Northern Cyprus?
Yes, the closest site in terms of impression is the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta, which is also a former Gothic cathedral later converted into a mosque.
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