Varosha, Ghost town in Famagusta District, Cyprus.
Varosha is a former resort town in Famagusta District along the Mediterranean coast with abandoned hotels and apartment blocks spread over several square kilometers. Most structures stand empty among overgrown streets and sandy stretches leading to the waterfront.
In 1974 the Greek Cypriot inhabitants left the town during the military conflict, and Turkish forces subsequently fenced off the area. The buildings remained untouched for decades until some beachfront sections were gradually reopened in the 2020s.
Shop windows along the streets still display mannequins wearing clothing styles from the early 1970s behind weathered glass. Faded commercial signage and storefronts document daily life in a Cypriot coastal town from half a century ago.
Access is currently limited to certain sections, and visitors should carry a valid passport. Entering the buildings is prohibited for safety reasons, as many structures have deteriorated over the years.
In some restaurants tables still stand with dishes and cutlery that were left behind during the hasty departure. Calendars on walls remain turned to the year 1974.
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