About Nicosia, Republic of Cyprus:
Nicosia has been continuously inhabited for over 5,500 years (since ~2500 BC, Bronze Age). It was known anciently as Ledra (or similar variants). It became the capital of Cyprus around the 10th century under Byzantine rule for better security from coastal raids.
Nicosia (Greek: Λευκωσία, Lefkosia; Turkish: Lefkoşa) is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Cyprus. It is the only divided capital city in Europe (and one of the last in the world), split since the mid-1960s/1974 events between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus (south) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (north, recognized only by Turkey), with a UN-administered buffer zone (Green Line) running through it.
Nicosia is the Southeastern-most EU capital. Financial, administrative, and commercial hub of Cyprus. Greater Nicosia urban area is often estimated around 300,000–350,000 combined
The city features Venetian walls with gates (e.g., Famagusta Gate), Selimiye Mosque (former St. Sophia Cathedral), museums. Today, the Republic of Cyprus side is the de jure capital for the whole island and functions as a modern European city with universities, businesses, shopping, and cultural sites. The northern side serves as the de facto capital of Northern Cyprus, under Turkish control and not recognized by the international community. Crossing is possible at checkpoints with ID/passport for most visitors.
Nicosia is known for its mix of historic old town (walled city) and contemporary developments. It offers a rich cultural scene blending Greek, Turkish, and other influences plus the Cyprus Museum, Ledra Street (shopping/crossing point), Venetian walls, and various religious buildings.