This tour to the occupied northern part of Cyprus flits through multiple layers of history – ancient, medieval and the 1970s. The stars of the show are the ruins of the classical city of Salamis and the old town of Famagusta, plus the ‘ghost town' of Varosha. Stavroula, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Famagusta area is rich in treasures from antiquity to the Middle Ages and beyond. According to local lore, people were so wealthy in medieval times that they built 365 churches to praise God each day for their lifestyle of ease and plenty.'
Your adventure starts in Salamis, a city founded in classical times that served as the capital of Cyprus for over a thousand years. Here, you'll explore the ancient roads and ruined temples that once thronged with people in this busy metropolis. The partially restored amphitheatre is a must-see, providing a glimpse into the past when performances and festivals were held here. Next, you'll head to the 5th century Monastery of St Barnabas, where you'll visit its icon museum with examples dating back to the Byzantine period.
Next, there's a short guided walk through the haunting former seaside town of Varosha where time has stood still for decades. This once popular beach resort has lain abandoned since the Turkish invasion nearly 50 years ago. After lunch, you'll explore Famagusta, a city that was once one of the wealthiest in the Mediterranean. Your guide will show you sights such as the Venetian castle and the Gothic cathedral-turned mosque.
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