It is located at 720 metres above sea level, on a rocky massive culminating in four imposing hills.

Another theory suggests it is a derivative of the Greek saying "City of Victory" (Νίκης Οίκος, Níkēs Oíkos).

It expanded under the Arab domination and later under that of the Normans, who settled numerous immigrants from Lombardy and Piedmont, called "Lombards", giving rise to the Gallo-Italic dialect still spoken in the town and surrounds.

It often gave hospitality to important figures, including Emperor Charles V. Nicosia's past and present town's structure show the artistic and cultural heritage of the Byzantine occupation.

Nicosia is perhaps better represented by its masserie, witnesses of the rural life and cultural legacy of generations of countrymen.