Famagusta(G.Magusa)

Is one of the most important , greatly fortified ports on the shores if the Mediterranean. To the north of Famagusta lie the fabulous ruins of Salamis . This one great city is believed to have been founded in the 11th century BC and after the influences of the many conquering nations notably the Romans the city was finally abandoned in 648AD, following the combined catastrophes of earthquake and raids by Arab pirates when the population moved to Famagusta. The spectacular ruins give a fascinating insight into long lost civilizations and include a magnificent amphitheater Roman baths a gymnasium and royal tombs. The mosaics are particularly beautiful . Just inland from Famagusta are the church and monastery dedicated to St.Barnabas , the founder or the apostolic church on Cyprus in 45AD. Barnabas , a Cypriot from Salamis visited the island accompanied by St Paul and St Mark and was later martyred in Salamis in 52AD The church of St Barnabas is preserved exactly as it was since abandoned in 1976 .

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.

There is a wonderful collection of 18th century icons and the monastery cloisters now houses an archeological museum.

Places to visit

St.Barnabas

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. Matthew'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 Archbishop Philotheos, in 1756 as it stands today.

Salamis Ruins

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 center 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 amphitheater, 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 harbor 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.

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.