Famagusta Holidays

Famagusta, North Cyprus

Located in the east coast of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean, Famagusta (Gazimagusa in Turkish) is recognised as the historical capital of North Cyprus. This city is known to have been founded in the 11th century BC. It has one of the most important historical ports in the Mediterranean. By the year 1300 A.D., the town was the main market of the Eastern Mediterranean and the route of wealthy merchants. It was once home to many civilisations, notable to Romans. Famagusta is a great example of characteristic medieval architecture in the world.

Shakespeare partly set his Othello in ‘a seaport in Cyprus.’ The reference is universally agreed to be romantic Famagusta, the wealthiest city in the Mediterranean at the time. Less wealthy now and with a sprawling metropolis, the old city still remains within the fortified Venetian walls. There are only echoes now of its former glory with haunting ruins of palaces and churches but it is the best free open-air museum in the world.

Since the commercial city lies outside the walls, it is not usually too difficult to find parking within the old city. Once parked it is easy enough to explore on foot to see all the points of interest. Tourist Information, in the Rivettina Bastion (Ravelin) by the Land Gate, is a good place to start. Obtaining a map here is necessary for those wanting to make sense of the many ruins scattered around.

The bastion can be accessed from here to appreciate the structure of the walls. Head seawards between shops and cafes along Istiklal Caddesi to the central square and the imposing structure ofLala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, formerly St Nicholas Cathedral, in gothic style, almost a twin of Rheims cathedral. The three splendid arches leading from the cathedral square are the façade of a Venetian palace, with four granite columns from Salamis, of the earlier Lusignan Palace destroyed by earthquake. In the walls overlooking the harbour, and open to the public, is The Citadel which guarded the harbour. Its renaming to Othello’s Tower by the British, came from a mention of ‘a seaport in Cyprus’ in Shakespeare’s play of the same name. Close by is the Sea Gate, the original main gate out to the harbour, recognised by the lion sculpture outside.

Today, there is a town combined with the ancient and modern world. There is so much to do and see in Famagusta. In the centre of old city there are great cafes, restaurants and shopping areas. Famagusta’s coastline is stretched with beautiful beaches and holiday facilities for everyone.