Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FAMAGUSTA (MAĞUSA)
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The Old Town of Famagusta (Maǧusa) was made for exploration on foot. Winding lanes
rimmed with modest houses suddenly give way to ruined Gothic churches where birds nest
between the roofless arches and weeds spring from once gloriously intricate mosaic floors.
From atop the Venetian walls, the shattered Gothic remnants of once grand churches punc-
tuate the skyline of what was Cyprus' most lavish and important city.
The New Town's large square, Yirmisekiz Ocak Meydanı, is capped by an enormous
black statue of Atatürk. It's the major landmark and impossible to miss. Across from the
square is the Land Gate, which is the easiest way into the Old Town. There's also a handy
car park just to the right as you enter.
Despite this city being one of the island's most intriguing and rewarding to visit, tourism
infrastructure remains poor. Most travellers choose to base themselves elsewhere and ex-
plore on a day trip.
History
Famagusta and its surroundings have an affluent and complex history. The wide sweep of
Famagusta Bay and the sprawling Mesaoria (Mesarya) plain was home to three major set-
tlements over the ages: the Bronze Age city of Ancient Enkomi (Alasia), which existed
during the 17th century BC; the Mycenaean settlement and tombs from the 9th century BC,
described as a flourishing culture in Homer's
Iliad;
and the illustrious kingdom of Salamis,
which prospered through the 6th century BC.
Founded by Ptolemy Philadelphus of Egypt in the 3rd century BC, Famagusta was ori-
ginally known by its Greek name, Ammochostos, meaning 'buried in the sand'. For many
years it was considered the bridesmaid to the famous city kingdom of Salamis, just to its
north.
After Salamis was abandoned in AD 648, Famagusta's population greatly increased, but
the city didn't truly bloom until the fall of Acre in 1291.
At this point, Christians fleeing the Holy Land took refuge in the city. In the late 13th
century it became the region's main shipping stopover, gaining immense wealth almost
overnight. A lavish and decadent lifestyle bloomed and more jewels and gold were said to
be in Famagusta than in all of Europe's royal courts. This provoked scorn from the pious,
who criticised what they felt were the loose morals of its citizens. To counteract this, a
great number of churches were quickly built.
