Northern Cyprus
A PARADISE FOR NATURE LOVERS
Places to Visit
Kyrenia
Kyrenia is a picturesque city located on the northern coast of Cyprus, known for its rich history, natural beauty, and opportunities. The city has a well-preserved medieval castle and harbor that date back to the Byzantine period, which are major tourist attractions. Kyrenia also boasts a charming old town with traditional architecture, narrow streets, and a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Kyrenia mountain range and the Mediterranean sea, making it a popular spot for hiking, swimming, sailing and other outdoor activities. Kyrenia is also a popular spot for property investment and retirement, with a growing expat community. With its rich history, opportunities and natural beauty, Kyrenia is a must-see destination for anyone visiting or considering to live in Cyprus.
Kyrenia Castle
Kyrenia Castle is a medieval fortress located in the port town of Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus. It is believed to have been built by the Byzantines in the 7th century AD, and later occupied by the Lusignans, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. The castle offers a panoramic view of the town and the Mediterranean sea and is a popular tourist attraction. The Shipwreck Museum, also known as the Kyrenia Ship Museum, is a unique underwater archaeological museum that displays the remains of a ship that sunk in the sea off the coast of Kyrenia in ancient times. The ship is believed to have been a trading vessel and is thought to date back to the 4th century BC. The ship was lifted from the sea bed in the 1980s and is now on display in a specially-built hall within the castle. The exhibit includes various items that were found on the ship, including pottery, glassware, and metal tools.
Buffavento Castle
Buffavento Castle is a medieval fortress located in the Kyrenia mountain range in northern Cyprus. It is one of the three castles that make up the “Kyrenia Castle complex” along with St. Hilarion and Kantara castles. The name Buffavento means “that defies the wind” in Italian, and it is situated on a high peak of the mountain range, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The castle is believed to have been built by the Byzantines in the 10th century and later occupied by the Lusignans and the Venetians. Visitors can explore the castle’s many towers, halls, and courtyards, and admire the impressive architecture and the beautiful views of the coast and the mountain. The castle is also a great spot for hiking, as it offers several trails for different difficulty levels. Buffavento Castle is an important cultural and historical monument of Cyprus and is a UNESCO tentative world heritage site. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in medieval fortifications, history, and beautiful views.
Soli Theater
The Soli Theater, on the other hand, was built in the place of the Greek theater, which was once located in the same place during the Roman period. M.S. It dates from the end of the 2nd century and the beginning of the 3rd century. The section with semi-circular rows of seats reserved for the audience was partially carved into the rock of the hill. This place was separated from the middle part called the orchestra by a low wall made of limestone blocks. In fact, the seating capacity of 4000 has been restored to half its height today. The stage building had two floors and was covered with marble and decorated with sculptures. The part that can be seen today was the platform on which the stage building was built. Traces of a temple dedicated to Isis and Aphrodite were found on a hill to the west of the theatre.
Salamis Ancient City
It is believed that the ancient city of Salamis was built by Teucer, who returned from the Trojan war. During the Roman Empire, Salamis was known as the largest trade center in the east of the empire. An earthquake in the 4th century AD completely destroyed Salamis. After that, it was rebuilt by Emperor Constantine and took the name of Costantia. In 648, the city was once again devastated by Arab invaders and has not been repaired since then. Located next to one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the island of Cyprus, the ancient city of Salamis is located in a partially forested area. The theatre, sports field, baths and market area in the city, which is the biggest amphitheater in Cyprus, can be visited.
St Sophia Cathedral Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque, originally the Roman Catholic cathedral of Hagia Sophia, is one of the oldest and most beautiful examples of Gothic art in Cyprus, the work of the French masons who accompanied the Crusades. The monumental main door and the carved stone window above it are particularly interesting. Its construction began in 1209 during the reign of Lusignan King Henry I and lasted for 150 years. There is evidence that it was built on the ruins of a much older Byzantine church called Hagia Sophia. When the Ottomans took the city in 1570, they demolished the interior floors, cut the pulpit and benches as firewood, and used the tombstones as flooring. Unfortunately, the more interesting tombstones are no longer visible as the floor is covered with a large carpet. The church was renamed the Hagia Sophia Mosque as a mosque and retained that name until it was changed to Selimiye Mosque in 1954.
Bellapais Monastery
Bellapais Monastery, also known as “Abbey of Our Lady of the Bells,” is a medieval gothic abbey located in the picturesque village of Bellapais, in the Kyrenia district of Northern Cyprus. The abbey, built in the 13th century, was once a center of learning and culture on the island, home to a community of Augustinian Canons and famous for its scriptorium where many important manuscripts were produced. The abbey was also a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful views over the coast and the Five Finger Mountains. Visitors can explore the Abbey’s church, cloister, and other buildings, as well as enjoy the peaceful gardens and take in the views from the terrace.
Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque
The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, also known as St. Nicholas Cathedral, is a historic mosque located in the city of Famagusta, Cyprus. The mosque was originally built in the 14th century as a Gothic cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas, but was later converted into a mosque in 1571 by the Ottoman Empire. One of the most striking features of the mosque is its imposing minaret, which stands at a height of over 60 feet. The minaret is adorned with intricate tilework and carvings, and offers panoramic views of the city. The mosque’s interior is also noteworthy, with its high arched ceilings and large central dome. The mosque is a symbol of Famagusta’s rich history, serving as an important religious site for both Christians and Muslims. It also represents the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Cyprus over the centuries.
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