HOLY CROSS CHURCH

Founded in 1642, this Roman Catholic church (Καθολικός Ναός του Τιμίου Σταυρού/Katholikos Naos tou Timiou Stavrou, Holy Cross Church) is sure to surprise. Its façade, crowned by a triangular pediment, is located in South Nicosia. But its side entrance, closed since 1974, is in the northern zone. Surrounded by barricades and barbed wire, it was rebuilt in 1902 thanks to a donation from the Spanish royal family. The Holy See's apostolic nunciature in Cyprus, the Vatican embassy, has been located next door since 1973.