FAMAGUSTA
The outdoor museum that is Gazimagusa - or
Famagusta - delights the visitor with the variety
and contrast of its features. Fortifications
allegedly designed by Leonardo Da Vinci and a steam
train from leads give you a flavour of the
diversity!
A walk around the ramparts of the old town is a good
starting point with fine bastions, an elegant sea
gate and the famous harbour citadel of Othello's
Tower - a Shakespearean reference to the play of
that name which mentions the Cypriot sea-port.
Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque
(St Nicholas' Cathedral) is
the most splendid building in the city and a good
place to sit in the square and watch the world go by
- or 'go buy' as the shops and markets around this
area are known for their unusual, oriental offerings
from local crafts to herbs, spices and exotic
flavoured teas.
The area around Gazimagusa appeals
as strongly. Apart from the miles of sandy beaches
stretching Northward beyond Iskele; two of the most
important sights in Cyprus are on your doorstep.
Salamis was one of the first cities of Cyprus in
Ancient Greek times and should be top of your list
to visit. Fragrant eucalyptus and acacia populate
this vast archaeological site together with white and
black marble artefacts, intricate mosaics and the
dramatic columns that outline the ancient gymnasium.
The vast Byzantine baths reveal Roman mosaics and
the ancient plumbing of under floor heating while a
macabre channel in the large amphitheatre was for
the blood of animals sacrificed before performances.
The impressive basilica at the Roman harbour is not
the end of Salamis for the city continues under the
sea and many fragments of its glorious past are
visible for swimmers and divers.
The other important site here is
St. Barnabas
Monastery. The monastery is mostly complete and
utterly peaceful with an attractive garden and
cloister courtyard where hibiscus flame trees and
giant pink-flowering cacti will be your companions.
Such is the density of ancient delights in this area
that in the mile between Salamis and St Barnabas are
the fascinating Tombs of the Kings where a good
scramble will reveal lots of interest
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