The Venetian Column
The Venetian Column
3.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience The Venetian Column and nearby attractions
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
59 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
14
Average
28
Poor
9
Terrible
0
Duncan
Brisbane, Australia1,058 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
Worth having a look at if you cross to the Turkish side of Nicosia, there isn't much else in Ataturk Square.
Written March 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela
London, UK1,059 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
The granite Venetian column, as it is called, is located in the centre of Ataturk Square, locally known as Sarayonu. (just outside the British Colonial Law Courts).
During the Ottoman Period, it was called Konak Square after the Governors' mansion, more popularly known as the saray (palace), which sat in the Southeast. In 1489, the column was moved from Salamis to Nicosia as a tribute to Venetian rule on Cyprus. On top of the granite column was a carving of the lion of St. Mark, and at the bottom were the coats of arms of noble Venation families. The Ottomans removed the lion and toppled the column in 1570. In 1915, while at war with the Ottoman Empire, the column was re-erected by the British by replacing the lost St. Mark lion with a bronze orb.
During the Ottoman Period, it was called Konak Square after the Governors' mansion, more popularly known as the saray (palace), which sat in the Southeast. In 1489, the column was moved from Salamis to Nicosia as a tribute to Venetian rule on Cyprus. On top of the granite column was a carving of the lion of St. Mark, and at the bottom were the coats of arms of noble Venation families. The Ottomans removed the lion and toppled the column in 1570. In 1915, while at war with the Ottoman Empire, the column was re-erected by the British by replacing the lost St. Mark lion with a bronze orb.
Written December 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boris B
Belgrade, Serbia2,416 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Venetian column is located at the main square of North Nicosia, formerly main square (Sarayonu or Palace square, officialy named Ataturk square) of entire city, in front of the building of British Colonial Court.
Although it is not so impressive, it should not be missed.
Although it is not so impressive, it should not be missed.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trilogy1998
19 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
It's an old column! And not a great one at that. Staggering is not an adjective that immediately springs to mind for it. Not a lot to do in Nicosia North and it's pretty grimy with typical city hustle and bustle. We were on an organised tour and were dumped there for 6 hours when 2 would have been plenty.
A word on public toilets (applies everywhere in the North) - there is a standard charge of 2TL to use the toilets but don't expect value for money. Although there is generally someone in attendance to collect the money the toilets are mostly neglected and often missing the essentials like paper, soap and even seats!
A word on public toilets (applies everywhere in the North) - there is a standard charge of 2TL to use the toilets but don't expect value for money. Although there is generally someone in attendance to collect the money the toilets are mostly neglected and often missing the essentials like paper, soap and even seats!
Written May 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pawel_hbg
Sopot, Poland16,816 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
In the centre of Ataturk square, locally known as Sarayonu, you can find the Venetian Column.
It was moved from its original spot in 1489, the temple of Zeus in Salamis to Nicosia, as a tribute to Venetian rule in Cyprus.
It was moved from its original spot in 1489, the temple of Zeus in Salamis to Nicosia, as a tribute to Venetian rule in Cyprus.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FTMDave
Adria, Italy7,624 contributions
Jul 2021
A column erected by the Venetians in the middle of Ataturk Square. Er, that's it. Nothing to write home about.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
علاء الاسدي alaa.abdullah
21 contributions
May 2018
woooow its really something from old time you will love the place also if you go by taxi ask him to stop before the colomn
Written June 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulmillie646
Wokingham, UK187 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Marked on the free map and near the law courts .you walk past if your following the free tourist map . Lacks information so without a quick Google you won't really know what it's for .
Written April 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bengi
285 contributions
Jun 2017
This column stands in the old town area. It was brought there from the ruins of Salamis in Famagusta.
Written April 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK185,662 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
In the centre of Ataturk square is this column called the Venetian Column. Not built by the Venetians as such, but a tribute to Venetian rule. Not a lot to see. On top of the column is an orb, at the bottom, the coats of arms of various Venetian noble families and on the ground is a star like shape.
I saw this as part of the one day walking tour from the North Cyprus tourism board. There's also a lot of cafes and restaurants on Ataturk square. Otherwise don't go out of your way.
I saw this as part of the one day walking tour from the North Cyprus tourism board. There's also a lot of cafes and restaurants on Ataturk square. Otherwise don't go out of your way.
Written December 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing