CHRYSALINIOTISSA DISTRICT

The beautiful little Chrysaliniotissa district (Ενορία Χρυσαλινιώτισσας) is almost an enclave in the Turkish Cypriot part of the city. It is located further north than the Selimye Mosque

Isolated but preserved. Historically, Chrysaliniotissa is one of the neighbourhoods with the highest proportion of Greek Cypriots (96% in 1946). He was therefore spared the inter-community clashes that shook the city from the 1950s onwards. Almost forgotten by both sides, he found himself trapped between the soldiers' casemates and the Flatro bastion under the control of the blue helmets. The most isolated district in South Nicosia, it is also the one that received the most attention under the UN rehabilitation plan launched in the 1990s. So much so that today Chrysaliniotissa is a real gem: old stone houses, peaceful village atmosphere, elegant restored churches, palm trees and meanders of quiet alleys.

Museum and hot nights. But Chrysaliniotissa is not just a postcard setting set in another era. Since the establishment of the prestigious Centre des Arts visuels et de Recherche (CVAR) here in 2014, things have begun to change, especially in the evening thanks to the installation of many bars. At nightfall, the district offers a strange face. On one side, cohorts of young Cypriot hilarious Cypriots frolicking from terrace to terrace in private party. On the other hand, from sinister brothels with half-opened doors.