The seaport fortress city of Famagusta features an abundance of historical and architectural monuments, which are of great interest for curious tourists. The most beautiful and interesting attraction is Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the former Saint Nicolas Cathedral. Construction of the cathedral took place at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries. The great Gothic structure is considered one of the most beautiful on the island even nowadays.
In the Middle Ages, the cathedral was converted into a mosque by Turkish invaders; it has received its current name relatively recently, in 1954. At the entrance to the cathedral there is the most important natural landmark, an ancient fig tree. It’s supposed that it was planted during the construction.
The must see sight is the St. Barnabas Monastery. Since the late Middle Ages, it remains one of the most revered holy sites on the island. During the long history, the building has repeatedly changed its appearance. The building got its current look in the 18th century. The part of the monastery is converted into a historical museum that houses unique artifacts and archaeological finds of different ages.
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