PLACES to VISIT in NORTHERN CYPRUS

Kyrenia, with a population of 35,000, is the third biggest city in Northern Cyprus. However, with it's picturesque harbour, and wide range of great restaurants, bars and clubs, it is also the most popular one.

The top three places to visit in Kyrenia:

Kyrenia Castle is located near the harbour, which is horse shoe shaped. It was originally built by the Romans in the Third century to defend the city, which was located up on the hillside. In the Tenth century, the Byzantines then further enhanced the shape of the castle in order to protect the people of the city from Arab pirates. In the Twelth century, the French Lusignans extended the castle to East by adding another watch tower. In the Fifteenth century, the Venetians then put the finishing touches to the shape of the castle, which is now under the protection of the Antiquities Department of North Cyprus, who use it as a museum, demonstrating the history of the country and the people.

Bellapais Abbey is located in the hillside, 6 miles South East of Kyrenia. The Abbey is the best example of Gothic architecture in Cyprus, as well as being ones of the finest in the Middle East. Built by the Lusignans, the first settlers in Bellapais Abbey were the Agustinas Monks, who escaped from Jerusalem in late Twelth century. At that time, the Abbey was built with fortified walls, with the people allowed to walk inside from the breach door, which can still be seen today. Originally, the name of the Abbey came from the Latin alphabet : 'Bella De Lapaix' means beautiful peace, because the monks wore white robes instead of black.

Until the late Sixteenth century, the Catholic religion was practiced in Bellapais Abbey. However, when the Ottoman Empire captured the island, they took the control of the Abbey, and gave it over to Orthodox religion, which was followed until 1974. While you are visiting the Abbey, you can still see the church with Frescos which date from as far back as the Thirteenth century. The refectory, meeting room, cellar and court yard are also worthy of a visit, whist the view  to Kyrenia below is outstanding.

St.Hilarion Castle is located 732 meters above sea level, a 20 minute drive from Kyrenia. It is the biggest castle in the mountains, built by the Byzantines in the Seventh century as a Watch Tower from which to see their enemies who may sail too close to the North coast of Cyprus.

When the Lusignans arrived in Cyprus in the late Twelth century, they admired the location of the castle, and developed it further. However, when the Venetians came to Cyprus in the late Fifteenth century, they favoured the coastline castles in Kyrenia and Famagusta, as their locations were better suited to the use of canons and gun powder, which had since been invented, and St Hilarion Castle fell into mis-use. It has recently been renevated, provding many fine examples of animations which date to the Middle Ages, as well as marvelous views across Cyprus. On a clear day, it is possible to see as far as Turkey.

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, and is now the only capital city in the world which is divided in two. Because both sides of the island use Nicosia as their capital, it has a unique position. The tourist in Nicosia should look for the blue line on the road, which will take them to all the different sites of interest in the city. The population of North Nicosia is around 100,000, many of whom work in the Government buildings, but live outside of the city walls. 

The top three places to visit in Nicosia:

St Sophia Cathedral was originally built in the Thirteenth century by the Lusignans, and is the biggest example of Gothic Architecture in Northern Cyprus. Over the main front door, the crown symbol can be seen, which proves that the Cathedral was used for Coronation ceremonies during the French and Italian periods. Also above the front door, three figures can be seen in arches, who symbolise the King, Queen and Archbishop. However, some of the other arches are now empty, as the Ottomans removed them when they captured Cyprus. To date, these icons have never been located. Since the late Sixteenth century, the cathedral has been used as a mosque.

The Bıg Inn, located in the centre of the walled city of Nicosia, is the most popular site in the city. The Big Inn was built in the late Sixteenth century by the Ottomans, and is also known as "Büyük Han". During that time, it was located on the trade routes acting as a hotel, offering food and shelter for people and animals alike. However, in it's lifetime, it has also been used as a prison, and a boarding house. In 1995, the Turkish government began to renovate the Big Inn. These renovations are now complete, with 68 rooms created, which are used as shops and cafes.

Arab Ahmet Street is located on the Western edge of the walled city of Nicosia, where the green line can be seen, which divides the city in two. The street was built during the Ottoman period, during which time wealthy people lived in the area. However, during the British period,  the area began to change, and it became a place where poorer people lived. This is still the case today.

Dervish Pasha Mansion is the most interesting house in the area. Dervish Pasha was the last judge in Cyprus during the Ottoman Empire, who published the first newspaper in the country. Because there were no printing machines at that time, he wrote these weekly newspapers by hand, which were passed between people in the streets once they were read. At the moment, Dervish Pasha Mansion is the first and only Etnography museum in North Cyprus, where many artifacts from the past can be seen.

Famagusta city is very famous for a number of reasons : there is the beautiful old city, as well as many churches and monasteries, and the 'ghost town' of Marash.

The top three places to visit in Famagusta are:

-Salamis Ancient City

Salamis ancient city is located 8km outside of Famagusta. It was built by the Truzer in the late 11th century BC, and is believed to be the biggest kingdom in Cyprus during his time. Currently, only 30% of the city has been discovered, whilst 20% is under the sea in the old port area, and the rest is still awaiting excavation. Whist in Salamis, you can visit the theatre which is reported to have been able to seat 15,000. However, due to damage over time, the capacity is now only 5,500. The floor of the gymnasium where the gladiators and athletes used to do their training is covered with mosaics. You can also see the original hot and cold bath, the latrines, fish market, as well as many marble status and mosaic columns.

St. Barnabas monastery is located 8km from the city center. St Barnabas was born in Salamis ancient city, but later moved to Jerusalem to further his education. It was here that he met St Paul, and converted to Christianity. He came to Pathos in 45 AD with St Paul and St Mark to meet with the Emperor, and later became the first Christian ruler of a country. However, the Jewish population were unhappy and, after calling him to a meeting in Salamis to explain his beliefs, they killed him. His followers buried him under a Carob tree with a bible. 432 years later, his body was discovered by a Priest and his staff, who took it to the Emperor Zeno in Istanbul, earning them the freedom of the church. When they returned to Cyprus, they built a small church, which was dedicated to St Barnabas. This is now used as a museum.

St Nicholas Cathedral, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, is located in the middle of the old city of Famagusta. It was built in the 12th century by the French, and was where the crown ceremonies used to take place to make them king of Jerusalem as well as Cyprus. When the Ottomans arrived in Cyrpus in the late 16th century, they converted cathedrals into mosques : St Nicholas Cathedral is still used as a mosque today.     

Guzelyurt, where you will see many citrus groves, is the fourth biggest city in North Cyprus.

The top three places to visit in Guzelyurt are :

St. Mamas Monastery is located in the city centre. St. Mamas refused to pay their taxes as he lived in a cave with no services. Soldiers were sent to bring him to the city but, when they went to collect him, they noticed a lion about to attack a lamb. Whilst they cowered, St Mamas went and picked up the lamb, and carried him into the city whilst riding on the lion's back. The authorities were so amazed that they released him, and agreed to let him live tax free forever. As a result, there are 14 different churches which are dedicated to him across Cyprus. Inside the monastery, there is a tomb which is half inside and half outside the building, which is believed to be the tomb of St. Mamas.

Soli ancient city, built in the late 11th century BC by those returning from the Trojan War, is located 12km west of Guzelyurt. Originally a busy city, the people later moved more inland for security reasons as Arab pirates raided the coastline looking for treasure. Today, when you visit the city, you can see the basilica which dates back to the 5th century, the big white swan which was the symbol, and the theatre which has been renovated, and seats 3,000.

Vouni Palace, built with 137 rooms, is located on the far west of the island on a hill side 250 metres above sea level. It was built in the 5th Century BC by the King of Mourion, Doxandros, to control the Greek people who lived in Soli Ancient City. However, when Greece took control of the island in the late 4th century BC, the palace was attacked and destroyed. During the excavation, much gold and silver jewellery was found, as well as many coins. With the adjoining ruins of a temple of Athena which dates to the 5th century BC, as well as outstanding views of the area, the Palace is well worth a visit.