Venetian Column: A Symbol of Nicosia's Layers

Standing tall in the center of Atatürk Square (Sarayönü), the Venetian Column is a striking reminder of Nicosia's layered history. Despite its name, the column's origins predate the Venetian era, originating from the Temple of Zeus in the ancient city of Salamis. The Venetians relocated it to Nicosia in 1489 to celebrate their rule over Cyprus.During the Venetian period, the column was topped with the Lion of St. Mark and adorned with the coats of arms of noble Venetian families, boldly proclaiming their authority. However, this symbol of power was short-lived. When the Ottomans conquered Cyprus in 1570, they removed the lion and toppled the column. For centuries, it lay in the courtyard of the Sarayönü Mosque.In 1915, during British rule, the column was re-erected. The British replaced the lost lion with a bronze globe and inscribed the pedestal with the dates of its fall (1550) and resurrection (1915). Today, the Venetian Column stands as a symbol of Nicosia's resilience and its blend of cultural influences, surrounded by remnants from the Ottoman and British periods. The square also features a fountain and a platform built for Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953.