About this experience
On this tour, you will get acquainted with the history of Cyprus, traveling through time: ancient times will open up in Salamis, the Middle Ages in the fortress and old town of Famagusta, the events of the 20th century in the ghost quarter of Varosha. I will tell you about two significant cities in the evolution of the island, about their heydays and declines, battles, cultures, their inhabitants, and the conflict of the residents that led to the division of the territory of Cyprus.
What to expect
- Ancient times. Salamis - a city founded in the 13th century BC by the hero of the Trojan War, Teucer. I will tell you why Teucer, being a resident of another island, came to Cyprus and built a city here. You will learn the history of ancient Salamis: about the heyday of international trade and the city's great influence on the whole island, and its subsequent destruction, as a result of which its inhabitants resettled in Famagusta. The ancient part of the city was buried in the sands for almost a millennium and has therefore survived to this day in good condition.
- Medieval times. Famagusta. I will tell you how from a fishing village Famagusta turned into one of the richest centers of the Christian world and one of the largest Mediterranean ports. About the heroic resistance to the outnumbered Turkish invaders, about the era of Turkish rule, and much more.
- Recent History. Varosha. You will learn about the conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in 1974, which was followed by the division of the island into Northern and Southern parts. I will also tell you about the luxurious past of the abandoned Varosha quarter, which until 1974 was a world-famous tourist center, and is now a 'no-man's land', closed off by Turkish forces and guarded by UN troops.
As a result, you will learn what events accompanied the development of the island from ancient times to the present day, see the valuable heritage of all epochs, better understand not only the history of Cyprus and its inhabitants, but also the political system and the modern international status. And, of course, you will have the most vivid impressions from a rich journey through time!
Route
- Ruins of the ancient city of Salamis
- Medieval fortress of Famagusta
- Old town of Famagusta (Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and optionally: Othello's Castle, Tomb of Apostle Barnabas)
- Ghost quarter Varosha (with swimming at the legendary beach of Famagusta)
