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Explore Famagusta

Famagusta (Magusa in Turkish or Ammochostos to the Greek Cypriots) is on the east coast of North Cyprus. In ancient times it was one of the wealthiest cities in the world and was well known for its extravagant lifestyle and attitude.

Famagusta-Cyprus

A German traveller once wrote that the wedding jewellery given to the daughter of a Famagustian merchant was “worth more than that of the Queen of France.” Its wealth came from dominating the shipping industry, especially when it came to goods from the Orient.

Today Famagusta is a busy university town, and the old city has a classic Cypriot mix of the old and the new blended together. The medieval architecture sits happily alongside the modern souvenirs while old men sit outside modern cafes playing backgammon.

In the old town, visit the walls and bastions that defended the city from those jealous of its wealth. The walls originally built by the Lusignans and later redesigned by the Venetians.

bogaz-harbour-famagusta

The most well-known of the bastions is Canbulat Bastion and Gate, which was the Venetian Arsenal. It is now a museum dedicated to the Ottoman war hero Cancebeilat Bey. It features a shrine and many artefacts from the Ottoman era. The museum is open every day between 8am and 5pm.

A must see is the Citadel known as Othello’s Tower, which is thought to be the setting for Shakepeare’s play Othello. No one is sure which of the historical figures who lived here inspired the tragic character of Othello, although it is widely believed to be the vice governor Christofero Moro, whose wife died here.

kantara-castle-north-cyprus

Outside of the old city, you will find several villages which all have their own character. My favourite is Bogaz, where the little harbour has a few small but good restaurants. As well as fresh fish, there are some nice pasta dishes available.

A narrow road from Bogaz will take you to Kantara village, and from there another road will lead you to Kantara Castle (above). It is one of the best preserved castle in Cyprus, although it was partly destroyed by the Venetians so that it could not be used by the Ottomans. It is worth making a trip to the castle for the views alone because there is probably no better view of the North Cyprus coastline. It is also free to visit.