Famagusta Gate

The Famagusta Gate is a city gate in Nicosia with a vaulted passageway carved through earthen ramparts and topped by a dome. The structure features a wide passage that allows two vehicles to pass side by side, with natural light streaming through a circular opening at the center.

The Venetians built this defensive gate in 1567, naming it Porta Giuliani after its designer and modeling it on the Lazaretto Gate in Candia. It served as a military checkpoint for centuries before its use shifted to cultural purposes.

The gate serves as a cultural center hosting exhibitions and performances that help visitors engage with Nicosia's past. Local artists and community groups regularly use the space to share work and connect with residents.

The gate is easy to locate as it sits directly on the historic city walls, and visitors can explore the surrounding area on foot. The location connects with other nearby attractions, making it a good walking point within the old town.

During Ottoman rule, only Turkish citizens could pass through on horseback while others had to walk. This rule reveals how power shaped daily movement through the city.