Nicosiais the largest city on the island of Cyprus. Locatednear the centre of theMesaoriaplain, on the banks of the River Pedieos, it is the capital and seat of government of theRepublic of Cyprus, and as such is the farthest southeast of allEU member states'capitals. It has been continuously inhabited for over 4,500 years and has been the capital of Cyprus since the 10th century. Apart from its legislative and administrative functions, Nicosia has established itself as the island's financial capital and its main international business centre.In 2012, Nicosia was the 5th richest city in the world in relative purchasing power.
TheCyprus Museumin Nicosia is the largest and oldest archaeological museum in Cyprus. In old Nicosia, the Ethnological Museum (Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion) is the most important example of urban architecture of the last century of Ottoman domination which survives in old Nicosia.