Venetian Column Atatürk Square
A 16th-century Venetian granite column, a historical marker in Nicosia's Ataturk Square, once topped with the Lion of St. Mark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Venetian Column Atatürk Square
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century Venetian granite column, a historical marker in Nicosia's Ataturk Square, once topped with the Lion of St. Mark.
"A historical landmark in Ataturk Square, offering a glimpse into Venetian rule and ancient architecture."
📸 Capture the History
The column is a great photo op, especially with the ancient buildings around.
🚶♀️ Explore the Square
Take time to wander Ataturk Square and soak in the atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Venetian Column
Ataturk Square
A 16th-century granite column, a testament to Venetian influence, now topped with a bronze sphere.
Ataturk Square
Walled City of Nicosia
The vibrant square surrounding the column, offering access to historical sites and city center areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse of Venetian History
Strategic Location in Nicosia
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the History
The column is a great photo op, especially with the ancient buildings around.
🚶♀️ Explore the Square
Take time to wander Ataturk Square and soak in the atmosphere.
💡 Understand its Past
Learn about its Venetian origins and its move from Salamis.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the History
The column is a great photo op, especially with the ancient buildings around.
🚶♀️ Explore the Square
Take time to wander Ataturk Square and soak in the atmosphere.
💡 Understand its Past
Learn about its Venetian origins and its move from Salamis.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors acknowledge the Venetian Column as a historical landmark in Ataturk Square, noting its Venetian origins and its current placement with a bronze sphere. While some find it a simple, albeit ancient, structure, others appreciate its historical significance and its role as a landmark within the walled city of Nicosia.
"Historic Venetian-era column in the Ataturk Square"
Bakhtiyar Ahmadov
"A column erected by the Venetians in the middle of Ataturk Square. Er, that's it. Nothing to write home about."
David Smith
"Column erected by Venetians during 16th century. Most probably must have had San Marco Lion (Leone di San Marco) on the top. Now there is only a bronze sphere"
Cesare Balci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Venetian Column is located in Ataturk Square, within the walled city of Nicosia. It's easily accessible by foot if you are already in the city center. Taxis can also take you directly to the square.
Parking can be challenging in the historic walled city. It's advisable to use public transport or a taxi, or to find parking outside the immediate vicinity and walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Venetian Column is an outdoor monument in a public square, so there is no admission fee. You can view it freely.
Ataturk Square is a public space and is generally accessible at all times. However, surrounding shops and cafes will have their own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The column is a historical landmark. The surrounding Ataturk Square offers a glimpse into the city's life, with opportunities to explore nearby ancient buildings and the city center.
As the column is in a public square, the general area is accessible. However, the cobblestone surfaces in historic squares can sometimes be uneven.
It's believed that the column originally had the Lion of Saint Mark (Leone di San Marco), the symbol of Venice, on top. It now features a bronze sphere.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
The best views are often from within Ataturk Square itself, allowing you to capture the column with the surrounding historical architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make it a learning opportunity by talking about different historical periods. The square's open nature means kids can move around, and you can combine the visit with a stop at a nearby cafe for a treat. It's more about the context of the historical area than the column itself for younger visitors.
🏛️ History Buffs
Research its history prior to your visit to fully grasp its significance. The fact that it was moved and repurposed speaks volumes about the historical layers of the region. The surrounding Ataturk Square also provides context, with its ancient buildings and strategic location within the walled city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Column's Storied Past
It's widely believed that the column was once topped with the iconic Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice. While that emblem is now gone, a bronze sphere stands in its place, offering a different, yet still striking, visual. The column's relocation from Salamis to its current strategic position in the walled city of Nicosia further underscores its importance as a historical marker.
Visiting the column offers a tangible connection to centuries of history. It's a focal point in Ataturk Square, a place where locals and visitors alike can pause and reflect on the layers of history that have shaped Nicosia. The surrounding ancient buildings in the square add to the historical ambiance, making it a compelling spot for those interested in the region's past.
Ataturk Square: A Hub of Activity
The square is not just about historical monuments; it's a vibrant space where the city's pulse can be felt. It's a place where you can access various sections of the 'City center,' making it an ideal starting point for exploring Nicosia's old town. The surrounding buildings themselves are often ancient, contributing to the immersive historical experience.
While the column itself is a static monument, the square around it is dynamic. It's a place to observe daily life, perhaps enjoy a coffee at a nearby cafe, and appreciate the blend of historical architecture and contemporary activity. For travelers, it's a key landmark that connects them to the heart of Nicosia's heritage.
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