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The Venetian administration and the new fortifications
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The Venetian administration and the new fortifications
The Venetians ruled the island from 1489-1571. Nicosia was their administrative centre and the seat of the Venetian Governor. Since the threat from the Ottomans was visible, the Venetian Governors of Nicosia emphasized in their letters the need for all the cities of Cyprus to be fortified.
In 1562, Venice sent Ascanio Savorgnano to the island to prepare a general description of the cities and the prospects for their fortifications. In his report, Ascanio maintained that Nicosia did not need to be fortified.
“... In the first instance considering Nicosia, seeing that this place does not lie on the sea nor in a situation in which it can be succoured, I am of the opinion that, even though it were in other respects suitable, the Most Serene Republic would be ill advised to fortify it...”
Excerpt from the report prepared by Ascanio Savorgnano.
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History
History of Nicosia
Nicosia Today
The birth of Nicosia
Ancient Nicosia
The Kingdom of Ledra
Nicosia from antiquity to the present
Richard the Lionheart and the Knights Templar
The capital of the Lusignan Kingdom
The fortifications during the Lusignan period: 1192-1489 AD
Caterina Cornaro: The last Queen of Cyprus
The Venetian administration and the new fortifications
The new fortifications by Julio Savorgnano
The construction of the new walls
The Siege of Nicosia
Nicosia during the Ottoman period
Nicosia seen by travelers
The Archduke of Austria Louis Salvator and Nicosia
The establishment of British Rule
The city of Horatio Herbert Kitchener
Urban development
The struggle for independence: 1955-1959
Nicosia, capital of the Republic of Cyprus
Nicosia 1963
Nicosia 1974
A city that waits
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