Hotels near Buyuk Han

Buyuk Han (Great Inn) is a beautifully restored 16th-century caravanserai built in 1572, just one year after the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus. It is the largest caravanserai on the island and one of the best-preserved Ottoman-era buildings in the eastern Mediterranean. The two-storey stone structure wraps around a central courtyard with a small octagonal mosque (mescit) raised on columns at its centre - a classic feature of Ottoman caravanserais that provided a prayer space above the ablution fountain.

After centuries of neglect (it served as a prison under the British), Buyuk Han was restored in the early 2000s and now houses artisan workshops, small galleries, a bookshop, and a courtyard cafe shaded by the old stone arches. Entry is free. The upper gallery gives good views down into the courtyard and across the rooftops of North Nicosia. It sits about 200 metres from the Ledra Street crossing, making it the natural first stop after you cross into the north.

Pro Tip: Order a Turkish coffee (TRY 60/~EUR 1.70) at the courtyard cafe and sit beneath the arches. Mornings before 10:00 are virtually empty.