Famagosta Cyprus

Of all the Mediterranean fortifications, the Famagusta one is certainly the most important. The town had its peak of splendor under the reign of the Lusignan one of the most important families of France and Europe that made it an important route between Europe and the Middle East.

The Otello castle, was built in the XIV century to protect the port from enemy attacks. Called the impenetrable fortress because of the many and deep ditches that surround it, it has imposing walls that are difficult to conquer. Inside the courtyard there are still iron cannon balls and Spanish and Turkish cannons still in good condition. Around the courtyard large rooms among which the Great Hall or Refettorio 28 meters long stands out.

From this place Shakespeare was inspired by the beautiful and sad story of Othello, the Moorish commander who killed himself and took his wife's life. A poignant story of love that still fascinates visitors to this day, taking a journey through fantasy and time.

At about 6 kilometers from Famagusta there is Salamina a Greek city very important at the time for its copper mines. As soon as you enter the Archaeological Park, you will find the great early Christian basilica of Agios Efipanios considered for a very long time the largest religious building on the Cyprus island. To the south the main square with tall columns and the temple dedicated to the God Zeus. To the north east, the acropolis where the gymnasium is located with its Ionic columns and the Roman state and the Augustus Theater today still used for performances during the summer period. After the theater, the Hellenistic baths period with wonderful mosaics representing the myth of Leda and the swan of Apollo and Niobe. On the way back to the entrance, the Roman villa and the Kambanopetra basilica from the 4th century AD Outside, instead, the necropolis and the Cellarla Tombs.

Another important church not to be missed is the museum church of the Apostle Varnavas dating back to 470 AD Built on the tomb of Barnabas with a rich collection of Byzantine icons.