Traveller's101

Places To See In Famagusta

When you visit the island nation of Cyprus, you find yourself immersed in a world that is filled with rich tradition and plenty of historical sites. Because the island itself has been inhabited since Neolithic times, there are many archaeological digs and excavations that are open to visitors, giving them a glimpse of a similar, yet seemingly advanced, time. Here are just a few of the many places to see in both the city and district of Famagusta.

St. Barnabas Monastery

Rebuilt in 1756 by Archbishop Philotheos after being destroyed by numerous natural disasters, the St. Barnabas Monastery was originally erected in 477 AD. Barnabas was born to a Jewish family and educated in this city of Jerusalem.

He returned to the city of Salamis on Cyprus where he promoted Christianity and was subsequently murdered for his beliefs. When he was buried under a carob tree, a copy of the gospel of St. Matthew was buried with him.

His grave was discovered 432 years later and the gospel was still lying on his chest. The monastery was built on the site where his body had been found.

st barnabas famagusta

Photo by: Wikimedia commons

Salamis

Located just outside of the city of Famagusta, Salamis is one of the most intact Roman remains in Europe. Historians believe that Teucer founded the city during his return from the Trojan War. It was considered one of the greatest commercial centres of the Roman Empire located on the eastern of their territories. Salamis was destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century AD and was then rebuilt by Emperor Costantin. The city was named Constantia and was destroyed yet again by Arab invaders in 648 AD. A stretch of the most beautiful beach can be found by the remains of Salamis, which includes an amphitheatre, gymnasium, market place, and Roman bath.

Othello’s Tower

Inspiration for the Saracen hero in William Shakespeare’s play of the same name can be found here in the harbour of Famagusta. The tower is one of the most impressive and it is probably one of the first things visitors to the city notice. Built by the Lusignan’s and then fortified and enlarged by the Venetian’s, Othello’s Tower contains a splendidly appointed 14th century Gothic Hall.

The Venetian Palace and The Namik Kemal Prison

Built by the Venetians and then destroyed by the Ottoman invaders in 1571, what was left of the palace was used as a prison to house those that opposed the invaders. One of the most famous prisoners kept here was Namik Kemal, the national poet of the Ottoman Empire. He had been exiled to Cyprus by the Sultan and was imprisoned in the converted palace for three years between 1873 and 1876.

Royal Tomb

The Royal Tomb is a construction of limestone blocks and clay that were probably built during the Mycenaean period. The remains that were found in the tombs were significant, giving archaeologists plenty of insight into the burial customs of the people that built them. In 1964 the excavations of the site uncovered horse skeletons that were buried complete with their harnesses and chariots. The horses had been interred in the tombs and slain where they stood as a mark of respect to the man that was buried there. Additionally, pottery and other instruments were also found in the tomb and have been placed in the many museums around the island and world.

Enkomi

Enkomi is one of the oldest known settlements on the island of Cyprus and it was well known for the excavation, production, and exportation of copper during the Bronze Age. The city was destroyed in 1200 BC, probably by an earthquake, and it was never rebuilt. It is believed that the people from this town were the first settlers and founders of Salamis.

Cathedral of St. Nicholas/Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

This impressive Gothic building was complete in 1400 AD after more than 100 years to construct. It is considered one of the greatest Middle Age cathedrals in Europe and the largest medieval building in Famagusta. During the takeover by the Ottoman Empire, the cathedral was converted into a Mosque with all of its frescoes and other images of man being removed as per the Muslim tradition. Today there are still a few tombs in which visitors can still see that it started out as a Christian place of worship.

Photo by: www.cypnet.co.uk

Martinengo Bastion

Built by the Venetian architect Giovanni San Micheli in 1559 AD, the bastion is one of the best examples of military architecture that remains standing in Famagusta today. It was built with a circulation system that allowed the smoke from gunpowder to escape into the air, and the entire bastion covers more than one square mile. The fort is an interesting triangular construction complete with moat, and the only entrance into the bastion is from the city side.