Historical Places in North Cyprus

There are many wonderful historical places in Northern Cyprus to visit but as most people have a limited time on their North Cyprus holiday we have a ‘must see’ list of North Cyprus!

Northern Cyprus Salamis

The most important archaeological site on the whole of Cyprus and indeed one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, Salamis is near Famagusta. North 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 in North Cyprus

Bellapais Abbey is in the heart of the Bellapais Abbey village in North Cyprus just 3 miles outside of Northern Cyprus Kyrenia. This wonderful Gothic monument is floodlit at night, creating a very special atmosphere for diners in the surrounding North Cyprus restaurants. The abbey derives its name from the corruption of Abbaya de la Pais and is imbued with a 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.

North Cyprus Kyrenia Harbour and Castle

Kyrenia Harbour is often described by travel writers as one of the most picturesque harbours in the Mediterranean, it is a wonderful place to simply sit and watch the world go by. There is a good choice of local North Cyprus restaurants, bars and cafes. The main backdrop is North Cyprus Kyrenia Castle. Here you will find an interesting combination of architecture from a Roman Byzantine church, Lusignan walls and Venetian towers. The Kyrenia 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.

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 Buffavento castle and St. Hilarion. It is the easiest of the 3 mountain castles to explore in North Cyprus and is the most complete.  

St.Mamas’ Church in NOrth Cyprus

All over Northern Cyprus are 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.