Famagusta, Port city on the east coast, Cyprus
Famagusta is a port city on the east coast of Cyprus within Gazimağusa District. It stretches along a bay between Cape Greco and Cape Eloea with fortified walls built from pale stone.
The settlement emerged in the 3rd century BC as Arsinoe under Ptolemy II. After Acre fell in 1291, the place transformed into the leading Mediterranean harbor.
The former cathedral of Saint Nicholas serves today as a mosque and stands at the center of the walled town. Its western entrance displays Norman architecture from the early 14th century.
Access requires crossing the border checkpoint in Nicosia or arriving by ferry from Turkey. A walk along the harbor promenade offers a first overview of the old town.
The Varosha quarter contains numerous hotels abandoned since 1974. The buildings stand exactly as they were left and show furniture behind shuttered windows.
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