Nicosia, the semi-occupied, divided capital of Cyprus is a rewarding destination. It combines a rich historical past with the fast-growing pace and vibrant buzz of a modern European capital. The city has been the administrative, political, economic, financial and cultural heart of Cyprus for over a millennium. It boasts an ever-increasing number of higher education institutions, Medical Schools and is home to the largest academic and student communities in the island. The Nicosia Municipality’s vision is to shape Nicosia into a dynamic European capital of prospect and opportunities. Respectful of its local identity while at the same time evolving into the future as a friendlier, more sustainable, greener, cleaner and aesthetically pleasing city for its inhabitants, its visitors and more importantly for future generations. In the last decade, the Municipality developed the strategic Area Scheme for the Nicosia Central Area which includes a number of Planning Policy Incentives ensuring transparency in its urban development planning system. At the same time, it has invested heavily into:

• improving the city’s infrastructure, transforming large public spaces and creating streets and street networks that encourage walking, cycling and public transport use in an effort to reduce car dependency and the health problems it creates.
• making Nicosia the smartest city in Cyprus
• strengthening Nicosia’s position as a city of culture
• and fostering the development of an inclusive innovation hub and vibrant creativity ecosystem at the heart of the city.