Venetian walls
Hello everyone!
What time is it? Discovery time. Welcome for another episode of my adventures. Today direction Nicosia!
- History
The Venetian Walls are one of the major touristic attractions in Nicosia. Built in the Middle Ages, they were completely rebuilt in the mid-16th century by the Republic of Venice.
When the Venetians occupied Cyprus, they decided to demolish the Frankish Walls because they were old and did not offer adequate defence against new weapons such as artillery. The Frankish Walls were also too big to be manned by the Venetian army and too close to the hills in the east and southeast of the city.
The Venetian walls of Nicosia have a circular shape, with a circumference of c. 5 km. The walls contain eleven pentagonal bastions with rounded orillons, similar to the bastions of Palmanova. The bastions are named after eleven families, pillars of the Italian aristocracy of the town, who donated funds towards the construction of the walls.
Experts have considered the walls to be a prime example of 16th century military architecture. Their design incorporates specific innovative techniques, marking the beginning of a renaissance era in fortification construction. These include the positioning of gates to the side of the adjoining bastions, so they could be more easily protected in times of siege, and leaving the upper half of the wall unlined with masonry, to increase its ability to absorb the impact from cannon shot.
- My opinion
As far as I am concerned, it is always a pleasure to see ruins of the past. History has the power to bring you back in different time. The Venetian Walls of Nicosia are very well conserved.
At first sight, you cannot stay without reaction. These defensive walls have something special, something extraordinary. It suits the city perfectly and gives it all its charm.
Furthermore, when you read the story of these walls you instantly have a different vision about them. I see them more like a work of art!
Anyway, I really suggest you visit the Venetian walls of Nicosia. It is a free activity open to everyone! Pay attention where you put your feet! Some grounds are highly sensitive to water and look like a mini pool.
See you soon! Xoxo
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