(Gazimagusa) NORTH CYPRUS
Gazimagusa takes its place amongst the massively fortified cities of the Mediterranean. It takes its name from a Frankish adaptation of the Greek name which means ‘buried in the sand’. It was founded by Ptolemy II (Egyption King 308-246 BC). It has always been a stepping stone between the Near East and Europe. Gazimagosa’s real growth took place during the Lusignan reign when diverse races of the Near East settled in the town. This brought a wealth of cultures and gave a new impetus to the residents of Gazimagusa.
Gazimagusa was a natural choice, because by then the town was a chief business centre of the Mediterranean. It is known that one of the nobles of Gazimagusa was one of the richest men in the world, for his daughter had more jewels that the King of France! The inhabitants lived in extreme ease and luxury … perhaps by building 365 (one for every day of the year) they thought they could avoid God’s wrath.
An interesting, yet sad, feature of the city is Varousha - this was the modern part of the city that was the main tourist centre prior to 1974. It is now an abandoned area in no-man’s land and is as it was left during those troubled times.
The golden sandy beaches of Gazimagusa are well known throughout the world and it is still a important centre for tourism today.
Enkomi (Alasya) Ruins
Enkomi was one of the first settlements in the east of Cyprus. Important for the production and export of copper during the bronze age. It dates back to 15th Century BC but it was finally destroyed in 1200 BC by destructive earthquakes. Most of the population settled down on the coast where the first Greek settlers established the Kingdom of Salamis.
St Barnabas Monastery
St Barnabas was born in Salamis to a Jewish family and educated in Jerusalem. His real name was Joseph Levi. He returned to Salamis and started to spread the word of the Gospel. His fellow citizens did not like this and they plotted his murder. He was buried under a carob tree in a cave. His grave was opened by the order of Bishop Anthemios 432 years later, his Bible, a St Matthew’s copy, was still lying on his chest.
The saint’s remains were sent over to Emperor Zeno and in return the church of Cyprus was granted its independence and a monastery was built on the site where St. Barnabas’s body had been found in 477 AD. Later it was rebuilt by Archbishop Pilotheos in 1756 as it stands today.
Royal Tomb
Huge limestone blocks were used in the construction of the Royal Tombs, excavations have revealed significant remains which showed burial costumes of Mycenian times. During excavations in 1964 complete horse skeletons in full harness were unearthed together with chariots and pottery.
Salamis
It is believed that the ancient city of Salamis was founded by Teucer on his return from the battle of Troy. During the Roman rule Salamis was the greatest commercial centre of the Emporium in the East. In the 1st Century AD it was destroyed by earthquakes but was rebuilt and renamed Constantia by the Emperor Constantine in the 5th Century. It enjoyed its Capital status for next 300 years but after further earthquakes and Arab raids it was finally deserted in the 8th Century. Today you can still see the breathtaking ruins of mosaics, amphitheatre, forum, basilica, gymnasium, baths and market place. It is also beside one of the longest and most sandy beaches in Cyprus in area that it partly forested.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St. Nicholas’s Cathedral)
It was decided in 1298, that Gazimagusa deserved a magnificent Latin cathedral. It is a complete example of Gothic architecture and was consecrated in 1326. It was here that the Lusignan King of Cyprus, who had already been crowned in Lefkosa, had his second coronation which as King of Jerusalem brought him even more power.
Othello Tower
This formidable building was built by the Lusignans to protect the harbour of Gazimagusa. It was further enlarged by the Venetians and contains a splendid 14th Century gothic hall. It also bears association with one of William Shakespeare’s best known plays.
Venetian Palace and Namik Kemal Prison
After its destruction in 1571, the Venetian Palace was used during the Ottoman Empire’s reign as a Prison and amongst the prisoners was Namik Kemal, the National Poet of the Ottoman Empire, who was held there between 1873-1876, after having been exiled by the Sultan.
