Exploring the Ancient City of Famagusta

Located to the north of Famagusta is the nearbyinspired William Shakespeare to write Othello.
village of Salamis which is said to have been foundedThe St. Barnabas Icon and Archaeological Museum is
in the 11th Century BC. In a country with a past aswell known for its extensive collection of religious icons
tumultuous as Cyprus the village was party to manybut also houses a remarkable display of fine Roman
outside influences but it wasn't until 648 AD following aglassware and gold jewellery. After exploring the
disastrous earthquake and raids from Arabian piratesmuseums ancient artefacts, there is a small
that the village was finally abandoned. Nowadayscafé where you can sit in the monasteries
Salamis is a popular destination with tourists taking agardens and enjoy cool lemonade. The highlight of the
holiday in Northern Cyprus and the magnificentgarden is a hybridised fruit tree which incredibly
amphitheater and well-preserved Roman baths giveproduces oranges, lemons and mandarins all from the
tourists a valuable insight into the historic past of thesame plant. Whilst on your Northern Cyprus holiday
region.make sure that you explore the tomb of Saint
Famagusta is still changing but it was in the 16thBarnabas located on the monastery grounds. This
century that the beautifully preserved Gothic church ofdestination is a pilgrimage point for Cypriots and
St. Nicholas was converted into the Lala MustafaChristians from the North and South of the island
Pasha Mosque. The Medieval mosque was built in theregularly journey here in order to make offerings to the
1300s and bears more than a striking resemblance tosaint.
the great cathedral of Reims. On your NorthernFamagusta may have more than its fair share of
Cyprus holiday ensure that you don't forget to standhistoric destinations for you to explore whilst on your
under the ancient mulberry tree and make a wish, aNorthern Cyprus holiday but it is the beaches of the
tradition in Famagusta which has lasted centuries.region that ensure it is a popular spot for tourists. Of all
Fans of William Shakespeare will recall that histhe beaches, Glapsides is the best known and also the
character Othello was sent down from Venice to fightbusiest in the region. Popular with local university
the Turkish fleet in the 16th Century and Farmagusta'sstudents the beach has ample facilities from a
Othello Castle is rumoured to be the place that he wasmini-mart to the dolphin bar located on the seafront.
stationed. The castle is heavily referenced throughoutDuring the summer there are numerous dance parties
the play and according to legend it was whereorganised on the seafront whilst throughout the year
Christopher Moro, a high Venetian official, killed hisGlapsides remains the place to go for evening
beautiful but unfaithful wife, Desdemona, a story whichentertainment.