KYRENIA GATE

Called the "Girne Gate" in Turkish (Girne Kapısı), this is the smallest and oldest of the three openings created in the Venetian fortifications. Completed in 1567 and refurbished several times, it now houses a tourist information point (opening hours vary). It was originally named Porta del Provveditore in honor of the Venetian administrator Francesco Barbaro. The ashlar building has been extensively remodeled. In 1821, the Ottomans added a domed square tower used as a guardroom. In 1931, the British pierced the ramparts to create traffic arteries. Above the vaulted entrance, the façade also bears the traces of the various occupants. In the center, the Latin inscription URBE DERELICTA ("abandoned city") and the year 1562 refer to Nicosia's dilapidation before the Venetians began fortifying it. At the top is the monogram of Sultan Selim II, under whose reign the city was conquered by the Ottomans. Finally, on either side, the initials GVRI and the date 1931 recall the breaching of the walls during the reign of British Emperor George V (Georgius V Rex et Imperator). The gateway is of course the gateway to Kyrenia/Girne, 23 km to the north. It lies at the junction of Girne (to the south, towards Atatürk Square), Tanzimat (to the west, towards the Quirini Bastion) and Istanbul (to the east, towards the Barbaro Bastion) streets and the Cemal-Gürsel outer boulevard.