Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Güzelyurt (Morfou)
Pop 18, 946
The quiet town of Güzelyurt (Morfou) was once the centre for Cyprus' lucrative citrus in-
dustry. The majority of the citrus groves here are still owned by Greek Cypriots, and the
area has remained an important point of contention in all reunification talks. The citrus in-
dustry here suffered a severe downturn after the 1974 Turkish invasion. The lack of cultiv-
ation and maintenance, combined with rising salinity levels in the underground aquifers
that water the orchards caused by the level of water reserves falling dramatically, has fur-
ther hindered the industry.
The vast groves start shortly before the village of Şahinler (Masari), stretching all the
way to the sea. During better days, in the early 20th century, this region's oranges were
transported by train across the Mesaoria (Mesarya) plain to Famagusta for overseas ex-
port. Although this old train route ceased passenger services in 1932, it continued to trans-
port freight until 1951. The line has long since been abandoned and fallen into complete
disrepair. You can, however, still see one of the two surviving locomotives, a 1924 Bald-
win, out of Philadelphia, at the
Belediye Parki
, just outside town.
Güzelyurt now consists of a few narrow, winding streets, small shops and sputtering ag-
riculture. In the town square, near the impressive modern
mosque
, there are two sights
that are worth stopping off for.
1
Sights
Agios Mamas Orthodox Church
CHURCH
(Main Square; combined admission with museum adult/student 7/3TL;
h
key kept at next-door museum)
Dedicated to the island's beloved tax-repelling patron saint, this church was formerly the
site of a pagan temple. Before 1974, the faithful used to visit the ancient marble tomb of
Saint Mamas here, from which a mysterious liquid is said to have oozed when the Otto-
mans pierced it looking for treasure.
The liquid, apparently flowing freely at irregular intervals, was supposed to have cured
ear aches; as such, ear-shaped offerings can be seen around the tomb.
The church is kept locked, but you can gain access by asking the staff at the Archaeolo-
gical & Natural History Museum next door.
Archaeological & Natural History Museum
MUSEUM
(Güzelyurt Muzesi; Main Square; combined admission with Agios Mamas Orthodox Church adult/student 7/3TL;
h
9am-6pm May-Sep, to 3.30pm Oct-Apr)
