Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This former prison housed Turkish poet, playwright and dissident Namık Kemal
(1840-88) for nearly four years after his writings offended the sultan. To be frank, inside
there are only a couple of dusty exhibits and portraits and one small room set up with a
mannequin of the man himself, so unless you have a particular interest - and read Turkish
- you can skip the entrance fee.
Sinan Paşa Camii
HISTORIC SITE
Although not open to the public, the magnificent facade of this mammoth 14th-century
church, which has survived intact, gives you a good impression of what Famagusta would
have looked like before most of its churches and monuments were ruined.
The church's construction was funded by a local merchant, Simon Nostrano, between
1358 and 1369. During the Ottoman period it served as a mosque and after the British ar-
rived it was used as a wheat store.
Nestorian Church
CHURCH
Built between 1360 and 1369 this Nestorian order church has a sublimely well-preserved
bell tower and squat golden-stoned facade.
According to local tradition if you take soil from the church grounds and place it in
your enemy's house, within one year they'll either die or leave Cyprus (it's probably best
not to try out if this works for any enemies you have at home).
Canbulat Museum
MUSEUM
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
; Canbulat Yolu; adult/student 5/3TL;
h
9am-7pm Jun-Sep, 9am-12.30pm & 1.30-4.45pm Oct-
May)
During the siege of Famagusta, Ottoman hero Canbulat Bey reportedly charged his horse
at a gruesome medieval siege device consisting of a spiked wheel. He destroyed the
device, himself and his horse in the process but inspired the Ottomans to conquer the
Venetian-held city.
His tomb contains a small museum with a simple collection of pottery and portraits fea-
turing Lala Mustafa Paşa. There's also a historical display detailing the Turkish take on
the 1974 events, and the Old Town's enclaves.
St George of the Greeks Church
HISTORIC SITE
The ruins of this once stately Byzantine church are highly picturesque. You can still make
out the faint outlines of once rich frescos upon the interior stone walls.
