14th-century Venetian sea castle adorned with the Lion of Saint Mark, legendary setting for Shakespeare's Othello.
Othello Tower is the seaward fortress of Famagusta's formidable city walls. Originally erected by the Lusignans, it was transformed into an artillery stronghold in 1492 by the Venetian governor Nicolo Foscarini, whose name appears beneath the carved marble Lion of Saint Mark above the entrance.
Tradition links this fortress directly to Shakespeare's tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. Its upper parapets deliver sweeping panoramas over Famagusta's working harbor and dramatic bastions.
Northeastern quadrant of Famagusta's walled old town bordering the commercial seaport.
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Sublime 14th-century Rayonnant Gothic coronation cathedral of the Lusignan Kings of Jerusalem, now a mosque.
Open daily outside of prayer times; tranquil, cool vaulted stone interior.
Masterpiece of 16th-century Venetian Renaissance military engineering with 6-meter-thick ramparts and sweeping city views.
Cool inside the vaulted stone galleries; climb the upper rampart near sunset.
Famous mid-century resort district frozen in time since 1974, now opened for pedestrian and bicycle exploration.
Open daily; best visited during cooler morning or late afternoon hours.
Sprawling classical metropolis showcasing soaring marble colonnades, Roman baths, and a 15,000-seat amphitheater by the sea.
Splendid from October to May; golden acacia and spring wildflowers blanket the marble ruins in March.
Sanctuary of Cyprus's patron saint featuring the apostle's subterranean rock tomb and rich archaeological museum.
Open daily year-round; the peaceful cloister courtyard offers shade and quiet contemplation.
Charming cliff-sheltered sandy cove in Kapparis offering views across the bay towards Famagusta.
Great from May through November; cliff provides shelter from prevailing southerly breezes.
