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Famagusta
The ancient walled city of Famagusta in Cyrprus is known as one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the eastern Mediterranean part of the world. Its amazing preservation brings its cultural heritage from over five centuries to life everyday.
One full day spent in Famagusta will reveal the history of Cyprus in a nutshell—from its ancient Egyptian roots as the city was founded by King Ptolemy Philadelphus in 285 BC to its growth as a Christian mercantilist port under the rule of the Lusignans fortified the town, until its golden age in the 13th and 14th Centuries where the trade across continents brought tales of untold wealth in Famagusta to the European salons.
The city is protected by walls which circumscribe the town, which in the past was not strong enough to ward of the Ottomans as they invaded the city.
The old city is complimented with the romantic citadel overlooking the port area with the Othello's tower as the first main focus of attention for visitors.
Join the locals as they pray morning prayers at the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque that used to be the Cathedral of St. Nicolas, erected in the 13th Century by the Lusignans, or the Sinan Pasha Mosque, the formerly Church of St Peter & Paul among many other places of worship. Visit the Palazzo del Provedittore (the old Royal Palace) as well as the eerie Namik Kemal Dungeon & Museum. For travel back in time, visit the ancient Roman city of Salamis as well as the bronze age settlement of Engomi-Alasia.
The present day modern town of Varosha erected since the country’s independence in 1960, is landlocked in the neutral zone between North and South Cyprus. Varosha’s presence reminds the Greeks of their losses as well as the Turkish authority that governs the land.
