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NCP24 · SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Famagusta (Gazimağusa)
Discover 13 archaeological sites, ancient fortifications, religious landmarks and historic attractions around Famagusta.
Places to discover
13 LOCATIONS01
Archaeological Site
Salamis (Ancient Ruins)
- Ancient Greek city founded ~1100 BC
- Roman theater, gymnasium, baths, agora
- Royal tombs and early Christian basilicas
- Mentioned in Acts 13:1–5 (Paul & Barnabas)
02
Monastery & Museum
St. Barnabas Monastery
- Resting place of Cyprus' patron saint
- Icon museum & archaeology displays
- 5th-century basilica foundations
- Twin-domed Byzantine architecture
03
Bronze Age Site
Enkomi (Archaeological Site)
- Late Bronze Age city ~1600–1050 BC
- Fortified ruins & rich tombs
- Famous "Ingot God" figurine found here
- Possibly ancient Alashiya kingdom
04
Military Bastion / Venetian Fortification
Martinengo Bastion (Tophane)
- Built in the early 16th century by the Venetians to reinforce Famagusta’s defenses
- Designed with advanced polygonal structure and angled walls for cannon resistance
- Strategically positioned to protect the landward side of Famagusta
- Played a key role during the 1570–1571 Ottoman siege of Famagusta
- Noted for its preserved Renaissance military architecture
- Offers panoramic views of the city walls and surrounding landscape
05
Castle / Fortification
Othello Castle
- Lusignan tower, named after Shakespeare's Othello
- Venetian lion crest on entrance
- Protected the harbor from invasions
- Popular for open-air performances
06
Gothic Cathedral/Mosque
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
- Former St. Nicholas Cathedral (1298–1400)
- Converted to mosque by Ottomans (1571)
- French Gothic style, “Reims of Cyprus”
- Twin towers, stained glass, Gothic arches
- Oldest Fig Tree in Cyprus (1298), still fruiting at the cathedral entrance.
07
Historic Prison & Museum
Namik Kemal Dungeon
- 19th-century Ottoman-era prison cell
- Detained Turkish writer Namık Kemal
- Preserved stone architecture
- Literary exhibits and displays
08
Historic Ruins
Venetian Palace Ruins
- Ruins of Venetian Governor’s palace
- Renaissance columns and arches
- Symbol of Venetian power in Cyprus
- Near central mosque in Old Town
09
Attraction
Sinan Pasha Mosque
- Built by Knights Templar & Hospitaller
- 13th-century Gothic-style ruins
- Shared courtyard with arches
- Frescoes and Crusader tombs remain
- Ottoman conversion of 14th-century
- St John‘s and St. Paul‘s Church
- Gothic-Venetian architecture
- Once used as Famagusta library
- Mixed religious history
10
City Gate
Ravelin Land Gate
- One of two main gates to Famagusta
- Key defense point in city walls
- Renaissance architecture
- Popular photo spot
11
Orthodox Church Ruin
Church of St. George of the Greeks
- Byzantine-style 14th-century church
- Large domed ruin with frescoes
- Damaged during Ottoman siege
- Key religious landmark of Greek Cypriots
12
Ottoman Mausoleum & Cultural Museum
Canbulat Tomb & Museum
- Heritage: Tomb of Ottoman hero, Canbulat Bey
- Exhibits: Artifacts from Ottoman conquest; shrine, pottery, arms
- History: Opened 1968, refurbished 2008
- Ambience: Stone vaults, period murals, evocative artifacts
13
Abandoned Resort District
Maraş / Varosha (Ghost Town)
- Once a glamorous tourist area before 1974
- Sealed off for decades, now partially reopened
- High-rises and shops frozen in time
- Wide sandy beach with clear water
- Popular for photography
- Bicycle and e-scooter rentals available