one city, many names
by call_me_rhia
Once upon a time, it was called Arsinoe, after Arsinoe II of Egypt, then in Greek Ammokhostos (hidden in sand) and then again Famagusta. The Turkes called it Gazi-Mağusa, or in short Mağusa - and by this na it is known now.
Throughout the centuries people from various countries came to this town: Lusignans, Palestinians, Italians (mainly from Venice and Genoa), Ottomans, the Brits and finally the Turks. Influences of all these people can be seen all over town, and - despite what guidebooks write - it's a real architectural delight. A town of many beauties, and mysteries. The old town is a place to see... with many old sights to enjoy, churches, mosques, shrines and the impressive Venetian walls. Then there is the new town, which is nothing spectacular but it's quite a pleasant place nevertheless... and finally Maras (Varosha) the ghost town, abandoned and sealed off by the UN - which was once the area inhabited by the Greek-cypriots. Not a pretty sight, but one that needs to be seen...
Famagusta is now a ghoust...
by marmite
Famagusta is now a ghoust town.Please take the time to find out what happened to the families of Famagusta.Take the time to find out what actualy happened there & how many people are still missing since 1974.Men women & children.If you have a heart you will realise after visiting Famagusta just how lucky you really are.The only way you can actually get in to Famagusta is to go to Nicosia green line & get a pass.
Poke around the cathedral courtyard.
by leics
It's worth spending a while poking about, because there are several interesting chunks of masonry dotted about the place, including a marble ?graveslab? which is propped on two small (possible ancient Roman) pillars. I couldn't read the inscription, as it is in Greek. I would not b surprised if some of the marble stonework came from ancient Salamis.
And if you look into the buildings adjoining the cathedral (used as storage areas) you'll see a wonderful wooden bier. I wonder if it's still used for funeral processions?
The building itself still has the remnants of some lovely Gothic carving.....much of that on the cathedral has been eroded away, or removed.
It's always worth poking about....you never know what you'll find! :-)
Aya Trias Bazilica: mosaics of 6th century A.D.
by om_212
On the way back from Apostolos Andreas Monastery (half way to Famagusta) we have noticed a path and a something resembling a sign leading to the ruins of the Aya Trias Basilica. it was dark, and we hardly could find the place. but looking for it was worth the effort.
there was the box office at the entrance, but since it was after hours, it was closed. well, the gate was not :)
inside we have discovered beautiful floor mosaics, floral and geometrical patterns, in unbelievably good condition (taking into account that lay open air, no coverage a top
of them. well, it doesn't rain often in Cypris, but still...
Poke around in the Citadel.
by leics
As ever, there are bits and pieces of interest to seek out, easily missed when looking at the grand scale.........
..........a store of unused cannonballs.......
......a beautifully carved shield, presumably Venetian.......
.......another carved shield, half destroyed........
.......such skilful arches in the roof, with a stone boss holding all in place.........
I'm sure there is more, if you take time to seek it out.
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Othello’s Tower, Famagusta, Cyprus 2010
St George of the Greeks, Famagusta, Cyprus 2010
Sea Gate, Famagusta, Cyprus 2010
Carmelite Church, Famagusta, Cyprus 2010
