Selimiye Mosque (Cathedral of Saint Sophia)
Selimiye Camii
A 13th–14th century French Gothic cathedral that served as the coronation church of the Lusignan kings. Two minarets were added after 1570, when it was converted into a mosque.
Selimiye Mosque was originally the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, built between 1209 and 1326 by the French Lusignan dynasty. It is the largest Gothic church on Cyprus, and successive Lusignan kings were crowned here. After the Ottoman conquest in 1570, it was converted into a mosque. Two tall minarets were added above the Gothic west porch, creating a unique blend of Gothic and Islamic architecture. The interior is minimalist, with white walls, and the carpets are laid at an angle toward Mecca. Admission is free. Avoid prayer times. Shoes must be removed, and women should cover their hair and shoulders.
Opening hours
Open outside service times
Nearby sights
- Bedesten (St Nicholas Church)
- Bandabulya (Municipal Market)
- Kumarcılar Han
- Büyük Han
- Faneromeni Church & Square
- Ledra Street & Crossing Point
- Atatürk Square & Venetian Column
- Archbishop's Palace & Byzantine Museum