Famagusta (Cyprus) - a worthy place for a tourist trip to the northern part of the island

A ghost town - this is the name of the once-magnificent Famagusta. Cyprus is a beautiful and interesting to visit the island. Amazing landscapes, an uneasy, eventful history - all this attracts foreign tourists wishing to look beyond the veil of secrecy, to better know the culture and traditions of this people. The history of Famagusta begins somewhere in the middle of the III century BC. E., when a small settlement was laid near the sea lagoon, the construction was led by the Egyptian pharaoh Ptolemy II and named in honor of his wife Arsinoe. In 648 the city was renamed Ammochostos, which in translation meant "hidden in the sand".

During the reign of the Crusaders, Famagusta reached its peak. Cyprus at that time was a haven for soldiers heading to the Holy Land and returning back. The port was located at the intersection of trade routes between Egypt, the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. From England itself and to India, merchants knew about the city of Famagusta. Cyprus was one of the richest islands, so could afford the construction of temples, fortresses, fortress walls. After the victory of the Genoese, the city fell into decay, the new life was given to it by the Venetians, but not for long. In 1571, Famagusta was captured by the Ottomans, and the place fell into decay.

It is difficult to find a more oppressive city than this, but still tourists come at least for a short while to Northern Cyprus. Famagusta is famous for its unique Gothic culture: to this day many churches, museums and palaces have survived here. All of them are worth a visit, so you should spend at least a day on sightseeing. Guides usually lead primarily to the museum and the Venetian Palace, then to St. John's Church. Many will like to see the Greek church of St. George, where there are still remains of cannonballs that destroyed the walls.

Separate buildings recall the past greatness and the role that played in the development of the country of Famagusta. Cyprus was under the control of many peoples, which is clearly visible in its architecture. Fortress Othello was built in the XIV century by the king of the Lusignan dynasty, its main purpose was to protect the port. A century later, the Venetians expanded the tower and turned it into an artillery base. Today, you can see bastions and stone walls of Gazimagusa, Spanish and Ottoman cannons with cores.

Also worth a visit is one of the most impeccable constructions of the Gothic style - the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, or the mosque of Mustafa Pasha. The temple was built in 1312, a fig tree still grows near the entrance , and many people say that it was planted while laying the foundation. Until 1571, when the cathedral was converted into a mosque, the rulers of the island were crowned in it. Opposite the temple is the royal palace, built in the 16th century. The ruins of the ancient city of Salamis also hides Famagusta.

Cyprus (photo attractions attracts many tourists) is one of the best places to relax. Stunning nature, delightful landscapes, unusual architectural masterpieces - all this is of interest to foreigners, therefore every year the island hosts several hundred thousand guests from all over the world.