The Salamis Ruins
Just
a couple of miles from the villa, you can visit the ancient Roman city
of Salamis, the capital of Cyprus in 1100 BC. For more than a thousand
years the Roman city of Salamis lay buried in sands which saved the
site from wanton destruction in the Middle Ages and was excavated in
1882. Today, this spectacular archeological site covers an area which
is one kilometre long, with a sandy beach stretching the entire length
of the site. A great place for a day out!
St. Barnabas Monastery & Museum
Originally
built in the 5th Century with funds provided by the Byzantine emperor,
this Monastery was founded to commemorate the apostle Barnabas for his
role in spreading Christianity throughout the island. Destroyed by Arab
raiders in the 7th century, the present church was rebuilt in 1756 and
is today a favourite place both for visitors and locals where you can
see the main Monastery, the Archeology Museum and the tomb of St.
Barnabas.
The Fortress Walls of Famagusta
Defending the town
of Famagusta, the old fortress walls played a key part in the history
of the town throughout the centuries, warding off attachers and
preserving the riches and wealth of the city. Today, you can walk the
city walls and see the marks which history left from attacks such as
the 100,000 cannon balls believed to have been fired from the artillery
of the Ottoman Turks, who besieged the city in 1571.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
Situated
in the heart of the old town of Famagusta and today known as the Lala
Mustafa Pasa Mosque, this imposing building dates back to the 14th
century and dominates the main square in the old walled city. Its two
towers can be seen from anywhere in the city, with one tower now topped
with a minaret. Built between 1298 and 1326 by architects brought over
from France, the original cathedral was built to mirror the Gothic
style of the Rheims Cathedral in France. Later, in 1571, it was turned
into a mosque and named after the Turkish leader who took the city from
the Venitians.
Kantara Castle
Kantara Castlte is one of
the three great Crusader castles in Northern Cyprus and is less than 30
miles from the villa. Linked back to the Crusades and King Richard the
Lionheart, Kantara castle was a refuge for many from the fighting over
the centuries. The castle was abandoned in 1525 because of its
remoteness but today's ruins, which date back to the 13th century can
still be seen and include towers, walls and the defense outposts. A
beautiful setting for a picnic!