Places to Visit in Famagusta
St.
Barnabas Monastery
St. Barnabas was born in a Jewish family and educated in Jerusalem. But when
he returned to Salamis he propagated Christianity and because of this he was
murdered and buried under a carob tree. With him was buried a copy of St. Matthiew's
gospel which he had always carried with him. 432 years later, his grave was
opened by order of Bishop Anticituis, and the Gospel was still lying on his
chest. His body was handed over to Emperor zeno, and in return the Church of
Cyprus was granted its independence, and the monastery was built where St. Barnabas
body had been found in 477 AD. Later it was rebuilt by Archibishop Philotheos,
in 1756 as it stands today.
Salamis
It is believed that the ancient city of Salamis was founded by Teucer on his
return from the Trojan War. During the Roman rule, Salamis was the greatest
commercial centre of the Emporium in the East.
In the 4th Century AD it was destroyed by earthquake, but was rebuilt and renamed
Costantia by the Emperor Costantin. In 648 it was destroyed by Arab invaders
and since then it has not been rebuilt. Salamis, the ancient city which lies
beside the longest and one of the most beautiful of Cyprus's sandy beaches,
is found in an area which is partly forested. The Roman amphitheatre, the largest
in Cyprus, can be visited with its Gymnasium, Baths and Market place.
Othello's Tower
The impression made by the formidable walls of this edifice is over- powering
to even the most casual visitor. It was built by the Lusignans and further enlarged
by the Venetians. The impression which is made by Famagusta harbour is reinforced
by great citadel, otherwise known as Othello's Tower, that thrills the visitors
by its association with one of William Shakespeare's best known plays. It contains
a splendid l4th century Gothic Hall.
Shore
Among the massively fortified places on the shores of the Mediterranean, Famagusta
takes a high place. It has always been a stepping between the Near East and
Europe. Famagusta's real growth took place during the Lusignan reign, when the
diverse races of the Near East settled in the town, and with their cultures
and wealth gave a new impetus to the residents of Famagusta.
Venetian Palace
and The Namik Kemal Prison
After its destruction in 1571, the Venetians' Palace was used during the Ottoman
Empire as a prison, and among the prisoners was Namik Kemal, the National poet
of the Ottoman Empire, who was held there between 1873 and 1876, after having
been exiled to Cyprus by the Sultan.
Royal Tomb
In the construction of the Royal tombs huge limestone blocks and clay were used.
Excavations. revealed the architecture of the tombs, and significant remains
were found which showed the burial customs of Mycenaean times. During the 1964
excavations horse skeletons complete with their harness, chariots and pottery
were discovered. They had been interred, and the horses slain, as a mark of
respect to the dead man.
Enkomi
One of the first settlements in the east of Cyprus. Important for the production
and export of copper during the Bronze Age. Finally destroyed at 1200 BC. Most
of the population probably settled down on the coast where the first Greek settlers
established the Kingdom of Salamis.