North Cyprus Buyers Guide - Gazimagosa (Famagusta)
|
Famagusta
Famagusta is one of the finest examples of mediaeval  architecture in the eastern Mediterranean, going back to 13th Century B.C., the Bronze Age. At the start of the Iron Age the town was built near the sea and was known by the name "Salamis". |
| Top> Next> |
History
In 1571 Famagusta was conquered by the Ottoman's.
Some historians declare that Famagusta was founded by King Ptolemy Philadelphus of Egypt in 285 B.C. By the year 300 A.D. the town was one of the principal markets of the Eastern Mediterranean, the rendezvous of rich merchants and the headquarters of many Christian religious orders as revealed by numerous churches of various denominations. These are still to be seen in the town today.
This was the time of the Crusades and when the rich Lusignan family ruled Cyprus. Therefore, the period 1200 to 1489 in Cyprus history is called the Lusignan dynasty. Famagusta was protected by ramparts which encircle the town and the citadel castle guarding the harbour, the best in Cyprus. This citadel or Othello's tower is the first main focus of attention for visitors. |
| Top> Next> |
Tourist Sites
The Othello castle, built by the Lusignans in the 14th century, was being used as one of the main entrances to Famagusta. It is  surrounded with a deep ditch. Just above the entrance to the castle lies the St. Mark lion in relief, under which the name of captain "Nicolo Foscari" -the captain who restored the tower- and the year "1492" is inscribed.
The castle comprises towers and corridors leading to artillery batteries. There is also a refectory, and a dormitory dating back to the Lusignan times. There are cannons, and iron and stone cannon balls belonging to the Spaniards and Ottomans in the castle yard. Part of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, "Othello", takes place in a harbour town in Cyprus. The main character of the play, Othello, is introduced as an Algerian (Moor). The playwright is thought to have been misled by the name of the governor of the period: Christophora Moro.
|
| Top> |
|
