Chrysaliniotissa

Chrysaliniotissa is one of the 24 historic quarters within the walls of Nicosia.^[2] During the Ottoman period it was counted as one of the christian quarters of Nicosia.^[15][16] The 1831 census reported the population of the quarter (Alatyodise) was 100% christian.^[17]

Until 1567 the River Pediaios flowed through the centre of Nicosia along the present location of Hermes Street, on the southernmost border of Chrysaliniotissa quarter. In that year the Venetians diverted the river to run outside the city, when they started constructing the walls that year.^[18] Chrysaliniotissa is sited on what was once the north branch of the Pediaios which split after it crossed south and east of Ayia Sophia^[19]

The church, and consequently the quarter, derive their name from the Greek for golden flax - chryso linari (χρυσό λινάρι). This originates in a legend that an icon of the Panayia or Virgin Mary was found in a field of flax nearby. The church was constructed at various periods and appears to replace a medieval building. There is a monastic courtyard on the south side which has a Venetian style entrance door dated to the 16th century. There are inner arcades with pointed arches the columns of which are imbedded with ancient fragments.^[15]

Of the present day churches of Nicosia, Panayia Chrysaliniotissa has the distinction of preserving parts of the building apparently dating from the middle of the period of Byzantine (late Roman) rule.^[19][15]

The 18th century Axiothea mansion derived its name from the nearby road. It is a two-storey mansion, whose entrance is on the east side, opening out into a courtyard. A row of arches separates the courtyard from adjoining the rooms. It is used by the University of Cyprus as a centre for cultural activities. There are three big halls and four smaller rooms rooms on the ground floor, plus more halls and other smaller rooms on the upper floor.^[20]

To the south is Hermes Street and the southern boundary of the quarter runs along the centre of the street. Hermes Street was formerly one of the main shopping streets of Nicosia and this part of it has recently been redeveloped.^[21]