Büyük Han
Cyprus's largest caravanserai, built by the Ottomans in 1572. Its courtyard, enclosed by two levels of arcades, is home to craft shops and cafés.
Büyük Han was built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus and is the island's largest travelers' inn. Its exterior resembles a fortress. Inside, two levels of arcades surround a square courtyard, with a small octagonal mosque at its center that has an ablution fountain. Its 68 rooms once housed passing caravans and their goods. During British rule it was used as a prison for a time. After restoration, it now hosts handicraft shops, galleries and a Turkish coffee house, where you can sample Turkish coffee and traditional sweets. Admission is free. It's about a 5-minute walk from the Ledra Street crossing point.
Opening hours
approx. 08:00–23:00 (shop hours vary)
Nearby sights
- Kumarcılar Han
- Bedesten (St Nicholas Church)
- Selimiye Mosque (Cathedral of Saint Sophia)
- Ledra Street & Crossing Point
- Atatürk Square & Venetian Column
- Bandabulya (Municipal Market)
- Faneromeni Church & Square
- Shacolas Tower Observatory