The Ledra Palace Hotel is located in central Nicosia, Cyprus, and until 1974 was one of the largest and most glamorous hotels of the capital.[1] The Hotel was built in 1949 and had a de luxe rating. All rooms had hot and cold water, central heating and a telephone. Facilities included a conference, reading, bridge and ballroom with orchestra. There were 2 restaurants, 2 bars and café. Located within the garden was a swimming pool, paddling pool, children's playground and tennis courts. The Hotel had additional floors added in 1967/8.[2][3]
Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus it fell within the boundaries of the UN Buffer Zone and now serves as the headquarters for Sector 2 United Nations Roulement Regiment (URR) part of UNFICYP.[4] The Ledra Palace Hotel has played host to many high level meetings between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders,[5] as well as hundreds of structured conflict resolution workshops between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot peace builders [6][7][8] supported and facilitated both by international organizations (e.g., Fulbright, Institute of Multi-track Diplomacy, United States Agency for International Development and local pioneers (e.g., Cyprus Conflict Resolution Trainers Group). It is also often used as the venue for cultural events aiming at bringing the two communities closer together as well as for meetings of general interest.[9]
Since 2004 it has been the site of a designated crossing point of the Green Line separating the Republic of Cyprus controlled areas from the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.