The port of Famagusta (Ammokhostos), under Turkish occupation, lies in a bay on the east coast of Cyprus, at the eastern end of the fertile Mesaoria Plain. It grew up some 7mi/11km north of the ancient city of Salamis, which had a good natural harbor and was the main port of shipment for the island's much-sought after copper. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in the A.D. fourth century. The remains of a large theater, a Temple of Zeus, a gymnasium, an aqueduct and the city's necropolis have been excavated.
Since the Turkish invasion, there is no access to sections of Famagusta.
The town has been described by international observers as a "ghost-town" left untouched since the day locals were driven out by advancing Turkish troops.
The town is monitored by United Nations peace keepers and was listed on the World Monuments Fund's 2008 Watch List as one of the most endangered sites in the world.
The early Gothic Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul (14th century), now the Sinan Pasha Mosque, and the Church of St George (1359) bear witness to the splendors of Famagusta in its heyday.
On the seaward side of Famagusta is a citadel with Othello's Tower, said to have been the scene of Shakespeare's tragedy.
Since the Turkish invasion, there is no access to Famagusta.
The town has been described by international observers as a "ghost-town," left untouched since the day locals were driven out by advancing Turkish troops.
The town is monitored by United Nations peace keepers and all access to Famagusta is prohibited.
The Othello Tower in located along the harbor front in Famagusta.
In the heart of the old town of Famagusta stands the Gothic St Nicholas's Cathedral (14th century), now the Lala Mustafa Mosque. To the southwest of this are the remains of the Palazzo del Provveditore, once the residence of the Venetian Governor.
Since the Turkish invasion, there is no access whatsoever to Famagusta.
The town has been described by international observers as a "ghost-town," left untouched since the day locals were driven out by advancing Turkish troops.
The town is monitored by United Nations peace keepers and all access to Famagusta is prohibited.
Tips: Sites in the Turkish-occupied territories of Cyprus are inaccessible. Those who travel to the occupied-territories must do so without the consent of the government and must obtain special visas from foreign missions.
Owners of passports with stamps by Turkish occupational authorities will be arrested once entering the free (government-controlled) areas of Cyprus.
The old town of Famagusta is enclosed by a mighty circuit of walls 56ft/17m high, originally built by the Lusignan rulers of Cyprus in the 13th century and later strengthened by the Venetians.
Read More
Read Less
Beaches, Famagusta
Othello's Tower, Famagusta
Famagusta
