One of the most popular tourist attractions of the northern part of Nicosia is Haidar Pasha Mosque, which was once the cathedral of St. Catherine. This building was erected at the end of the XIV century, and became the second, after Hagia Sophia, the largest Gothic church in the city. After a while, the cathedral was expanded and turned into a monastery. According to some scientists, the construction is still planned to finish building, because some of the rooms of the building looks unfinished. For example, in the northern part of the temple there is a room that is supposed to be was to be the basis for a never built the tower.

In general, the cathedral is a fine example of Gothic medieval architecture and boasts a variety of geometric detail and plant motifs, narrow windows and arches. The building has three entrances, which are decorated with delicate carvings, and the biggest of them is decorated with stone roses, dragons, as well as traditional Gothic gargoyles.

After the capture of the island by Turkish troops in 1570 Cyprus has begun mass destruction of Christian churches. In most cases, they simply were converted into mosques. That's what happened to the Cathedral of Saint Catherine. In 1571 it was turned into a mosque and called Haidar Pasha, after one of the generals who had distinguished themselves during the war. Then the temple was pristoen high minaret.

At the end of the last century, the cathedral was completely renovated and opened to the public as an exhibition hall. Login to free.