Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory: Nicosia's Panoramic History

The Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory, also known as the Ledras Tower, offers a unique vantage point in the heart of Nicosia. Completed in 1959, the tower was initially called the Manglis Tower and housed the offices of the General Engineering and Hellenic Mining Company. It held the title of Nicosia's tallest building until 1978.Today, the first five floors are occupied by an H&M department store, while the 11th floor houses the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory. The museum showcases photographs and narratives describing Nicosia's history, offering a multilingual taped history for visitors. Telescopes and binoculars are available for a closer look at landmarks.The observatory provides panoramic views of Nicosia, including sights of both the Greek and Turkish sides of the city. Informative panels help identify key landmarks and provide context to the city's layout. The exhibits are arranged to allow visitors to compare historical photographs with the present-day cityscape.