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Top 10 Places to Visit in Northern Cyprus With its expansive history and key location Cyprus has been conquered by many civilisations, each one leaving a very distinctive mark on both its culture and landscape. Archaeologists have visited Northern Cyprus for many years, discovering hidden gems of times gone by, and leading to many historical sites that are worth a visit, if you have the time. However if you only have a limited time span then which one should you first? Obviously depending on your interests depends on the sites that you would choose, but there are some that no matter what should not be missed as the architecture and the history is of a standard that everyone should see and experience. Bellapais Abbey East of Girne is Bellapais Abbey. Dominating the landscape and lit at night it is still a magnificent building, and the views from here over the coast are second to none Regarded as the most beautiful Gothic building in the near east it is known that the first monks who fled here were the Augustinians fleeing from Jerusalem. The original building was built between 1198 and 1205 and then added to over a period of several centuries. The abbey finally fell into disrepair after 1570 when it was handed over to the Orthodox Church, and then further after the British used it as a military hospital and concreted the floor of the great hall. The best preserved part of the building is that of the 13th century church, with the 15th century murals still full of colour and detail. Salamis Excavations at Salamis began in 1952 and most of the ruins that have been discovered date back to the Roman period, however it is known that the site dates back as far as 450BC and that as far back as 1100BC it was the capital of Cyprus. Like all areas of Cyprus there have been many changes to the original buildings as each era of conquer and defeat occurred and it is known that the Persians, Byzantine and Romans to name just a few have all left their mark. Excavations came to a stop in 1974 and there are still areas that are waiting to be dug, however the public buildings uncovered so far date to the post-Classical period. The "cultural centre" of Salamis during the Roman period was situated at the northernmost part of the city, where a gymnasium, amphitheatre, stadium and public baths have been revealed. The theatre, and the gymnasium have been extensively restored, with several statues displayed in the central area of the gymnasium, and the amphitheatre is believed could house up to 15.000 spectators. Finally abandoned during the Arab invasions in the 7th century after it was again destroyed and the inhabitants moved to Famagusta. Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque (St Nicholas Cathedral) At the heart of the old walled city of Famagusta is the Lala Mustafa Pisa Mosque. Originally St Nicholas Cathedral it is known that the foundation stone was laid in 1298 and that building lasted until 1312. It was here that the King of Cyprus was crowned King of Jerusalem as it was closer to the Holy Land. In 1571 the cathedral was converted to a mosque and named after the Turkish leader who had laid siege to the city. Soli Ruins Located near the town of Lefke, Soli was one of the ten ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. Excavations have discovered that there was a settlement here as early as the 11th century BC, with the old market place, amphitheatre and a church with a mosaic floor showing the change to Christianity in the Roman period. Excavation works in this area have not yet been completed, although what there is begins to tell the story of the ancient city. Girne Castle and Ship Wreak Museum Dominating the harbour, the castle was originally built as a defense post against Arab raids and pirates. Although the exact date of construction is not known. The original structure was added to by the Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans and Venetians and was eventually used by the kings of the island as a refuge in times of war. Within the castle is the Shipwreck Museum, this museum holds the oldest trading ship in the World, with her cargo. The ship has been carbon dated to about 389 BC and the cargo dated to 288BC which means that when it sank it was approximately 80 years old St Hilarion Castle Rumoured to be the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, this magnificent castle, lit at night, was originally built to defend the island against Arab raids. The castle is said to have gained its name from a monk that had fled persecution and had lived and died in a cave on the very same mountain. The Monastery and church were originally built in the 10th century and the castle is first mentioned in records dating back to 1191. Having been through many hands with each successful conquer of the island each era has left its mark with additions to the original structure. Eventually the castle became a summer retreat for the Lusignan nobility on the island before falling into disrepair. Today you can still see the original church ruins, the walls and each room are easily defined. If you can make it to the top, Prince Johns Tower offers views like nothing else and well worth the steps up. Just sitting and looking around you can understand why this was a key strategic location. Saint Barnabas Monastery Saint Barnabas was originally born as Joseph, a Jew who lived on Cyprus. After selling his land and taking the money to the apostles he was renamed Barnabas meaning son of encouragement and began spreading the word of Christianity with Paul (Saint Paul). Upon returning to Cyprus however, he was killed by fellow Jews for his Christian activities and his body was buried in the marshland, later being thrown into the sea. However his followers recovered the body and laid it to rest with St Matthews Bible, which he use to carry, in a cave under a carob tree. After over 400 years the burial site was found and his body transported to Istanbul and presented to Emperor Zeno, who then presented Cyprus with the money for the building of a Monastery at the burial site. Originally built in 477 A.D. the present building was almost entirely built during the Ottoman rule in 1756. Selimiye Mosque One of the largest and finest Gothic structures in Cyprus the construction was started by Archbishop Eustorge de Montaigu in 1209 and was consecrated in 1326 when it was opened for religious services. Construction started on the building in 1209 and was completed in 1326 when the St. Sophia Cathedral was consecrated. It is believed that is was built on top of the Byzantine Church Hagia Sophia. During the Lusignan rule it was used for the coronation ceremonies of the Lusignan kings. During the Ottoman conquest in the 16th century the Cathedral was transformed into a mosque and in 1054 the name was changed to Selimiye Mosque in honour of Sultan Selim II and the two unfinished towers changed into minarets. Today you can still see the paintings of the saints and the marble grave stones set within the floor tiles, the inscriptions and drawings of which have been restored through the placing of mats and rules concerning the wearing of shoes inside the mosque. Lambousa Lambousa meaning “brilliant light” is now known as Lapta and while there are many places to see in the area the main part of the old Lambousa is located on the coast line just west of the present town. At the centre of the remains is the St Evalios Church which has been well preserved with its Gothic and Byzantine architecture and dates back to the 15th century. Also within the ruins of the original Lambosa are the “Fish Pools” which are carved out of rock on the coastline. Dating back to the time of the Roman occupation it is believed that they were built to keep the fish fresh for market after the fisherman had caught them or alternatively to breed fish. The largest of the pools is 27 by 14 meters and if you look carefully you can see where there would have been wooden hatches at the end of the canals which would have allowed the dirty water out and the clean water in. Kantara Castle Kantara meaning bridge or arch in Arabic, was originally built by the Byzantines against the invasion of the Arabs, and was later enlarged and re-modeled by the Lusignans. Straddling two mountain tops, it is the eastern most castle on the mountain range and is approximately 630 metres above sea level with only one entrance. The original construction date is unknown however, it was first mentioned in 1191 when Richard the Lionheart captured Cyprus and the former king of Cyprus takes refuge in the castle in an attempt to flee to the Karpaz region and has since been many a refuge for many escaping members of royalty and state. Like many of the other castles it has been added to with each conquering civilisation and was then left to decline into ruins during the Venetian reign. The list of historical sites within Northern Cyprus is endless and around every corner you will see old stone ruins in fields, gardens or next to modern architecture. Each time Cyprus was conquered more history was destroyed as well as new history made. Even if history is not of any great interest to you, you will find it hard not to become fascinated and then explore some more. Northern Cyprus is certainly a place to explore, to discover and to fall in love with. |
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