Historical sites to see during your North Cyprus holiday

There are many wonderful historical places in Northern Cyprus, but as most people have a limited amount of time during their holidays, here is our ‘must see’ list for North Cyprus!

The Roman City of Salamis

The most important archaeological site on the whole of Cyprus and indeed one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region, Salamis is located just north of the town of Famagusta on the eastern coast of Cyprus. Salamis flourished for almost fifteen centuries from the period of its foundation in the 11th century B.C. until the Arab raids of the 7th century A.D. put an end to this ancient city. Teucer founded Salamis at the end of the Trojan war. Legend tells us that after falling out with his father he left his homeland and landed in North Cyprus in the Karpaz. Teucer named his new city Salamis after the island of his birth. In 12th century B.C the harbour of near by Enkomi started to silt up and the people needed to re-establish access for the important copper exports. The Roman period from 58 B.C saw Salamis develop into a prosperous city. Unfortunately Salamis was damaged by earthquakes and had to be re-built in the fourth century. It was re-named Constantia after the architect.

Bellapais Abbey and Bellapais Village

Bellapais Abbey is in the heart of the village of Bellapais, a few miles from Kyrenia and overlooking the Mediterranean coast of Northern Cyprus from its position in the Kyrenia mountains. This wonderful Gothic monument is floodlit at night, creating a very special atmosphere for diners in the surrounding restaurants. The abbey derives its name from a corruption of 'Abbaye de la Pais' and is imbued with a remarkable sense of peace and tranquillity. In 1246 the Bellapais Abbey was given a piece of the true cross attracting many pilgrims and amassing great wealth, it soon became a popular retreat for the Lusignan Royal family but later fell into disuse. The village of Bellapais was more recently better known as the home of the author, Lawrence Durrell. His novel 'Bitter Lemons of Cyprus' records his time and thoughts of Cyprus and Bellapais. Today, Bellapais Abbey is in frequent use for concerts, recitals and art exhibitions. The annual Bellapais Music Festival is held here and attracts international attention.

Kyrenia Harbour and Castle

Kyrenia Harbour has been described by travel writers as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it is easy to see why. It is a wonderful place to simply sit and watch the world go by. There is a good choice of local restaurants, bars and cafes. The main backdrop to the harbour is Kyrenia Castle. Here you will find an interesting combination of architecture from a Roman Byzantine church through Lusignan walls to Venetian towers. The castle houses the oldest ship ever to have been recovered from the seabed. Back in the days of Alexander the Great this vessel would have carried her cargo of wine and almonds to Cyprus.

Kantara Castle 

Set in the mountains over looking the Karpaz Peninsula in North Cyprus, Kantara Castle is said to have 101 rooms and who so ever shall find the 101st room will enter paradise! The views over the coast are breath taking, especially on clear days when the mountains of Turkey are visable. This position was of great importance for sending flare signals to the other castles of Buffavento and St. Hilarion. It is the easiest of the 3 mountain castles to explore in Northern Cyprus and is the most complete.  

St.Mamas’ Church

All over Northern Cyprus can be found icons depicting St. Mamas riding a lion. The legend goes like this. St. Mamas lived in a cave receiving food from people in return for his prayers. The Governor introduced a ‘poll tax’ from which no-one was exempt. St. Mamas refused to pay as he only lived in a cave however he was soon arrested and taken to the Governor. On the way he saw a lion attacking a lamb, where upon he held up his hand and the lion stopped. St Mamas then proceeded to ride the lion to the Governor holding the lamb in his arms. The Governor was so amazed by this act that he excluded the saint from paying his taxes making him the patron saint of tax avoiders. The church is in the town of Güzelyurt in North Cyprus and is a mix of Gothic and Byzantine styles.