Famagusta
Famagusta, North Cyprus
Famagusta in Northern Cyprus is a fascinating medieval walled city with oodles of charm and lots to explore.
Famagusta, North Cyprus: a very wealthy town
From humble beginnings, during the 14th century the city of Famagusta grew to be one of the wealthiest trading ports in the Mediterranean, its inhabitants so rich that legend says they ground up diamonds to season their food! The inhabitants built churches and palaces and a magnificent cathedral, safely contained within massive walls that surrounded the city.
However, jealous eyes viewed the city under its Venetian masters, and in 1571 the Ottomans invaded and laid siege to Famagusta. They bombarded it with cannon fire for months, but the strong walls and defensive towers (bastions) kept the invading army out. Eventually the citizens of Famagusta had to surrender or starve to death. The city fell into decline, but a major restoration project began in 1996, and now the old walled city is buzzing once again.
Questions about Famagusta?
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