Historical Places

The Mevlevi Tekke Museum, located south of the Girne Gate in Nicosia, is one of the most important historical and architectural structures in Cyprus. It is believed that Mevlevi came to Cyprus with the Ottoman Administration. The Mevlevi Tekke, which still operates as a museum, also houses 16 tombs belonging to Mevlevi dignitaries. Key features of the Mevlevi Tekke Museum: Built in the 16th...

Located west of the ancient city of Salamis in Famagusta, the monastery was built in memory of Saint Barnabas, a Jew from Salamis who converted to Christianity in Jerusalem and spread Christianity on the island with St. Paul. The monastery consists of a church, courtyard, monastic chambers, and a chapel housing the tomb of St. Barnabas. The building is currently used as a museum. Key features of St....

Buyuk Han is not only the most important Ottoman period work in Nicosia, but also on the entire island. It was built between 1572 and 1579 with a square plan and two floors, taking the Koza Han in Bursa as an example. The ground floor rooms of the caravanserai with a total of 68 rooms were used as trading houses, while the upper floor rooms were used as a hotel. Today, it is a tourist and entertainment...

Perched atop the Five Finger Mountains and offering a mesmerizing vista, St. Hilarion Castle stands as the westernmost of three castles built in this mountainous region. Situated at a height of 700 meters above sea level, this historical structure presents visitors with a breathtaking panorama. In the 10th century, a monastery and church were added to the castle, transforming it into a religious...

Girne Castle, a symbol of Girne and one of the most magnificent historical structures in Cyprus, holds significant historical and architectural importance. With a near-square plan, this impressive castle has undergone numerous modifications throughout history to reach its current form. These changes have shaped not only the castle but also the surrounding society and culture. Today, Girne Castle houses...

Also known as Kyrenia Gate, is a gate located in the historic walls of Nicosia and has significant historical importance. Built by the Venetians, this gate was also repaired by the Ottomans and currently serves as the Tourist Information Office. History: Venetian Period: The gate was built during the Venetian period when defensive walls were constructed around Nicosia for...

This structure, one of the magnificent works of the Lusignan period, was built between 1298 and 1312 as one of the most aesthetic Gothic structures in the Mediterranean geography. The Lusignan kings who reigned during this period performed their royal rituals in two different locations - they would first be crowned King of Cyprus at St. Sophia Cathedral in Nicosia, and then hold a coronation ceremony as...

The door of the cell opens onto the palace courtyard, and the room is rectangular in shape, located on the top floor. The great name of our literature, Namık Kemal, was exiled to Northern Cyprus on April 9, 1873, after his play "Vatan yahut Silistre", which he wrote on April 5, 1873, was staged at the "İstanbul Gedik Paşa Theater". At the beginning of his exile, he was locked in the cold and gloomy...

Othello Castle, built by the Lusignans in the 14th century, has undergone many changes throughout history. The castle bears the relief of the Lion of St. Mark on its main entrance, a detail that adds a unique aesthetic to the castle. The castle began to be known by its current name during the British Colonial period, which gave the castle a new identity. Part of William Shakespeare's world-famous play...

It is the easternmost of the three castles on the Five Finger Mountains. It is located in a magnificent position, approximately 700 meters above sea level. It is in a strategic location that can control the north coast, the vast Mesaoria Plain and the picturesque Karpaz Peninsula. It is generally accepted that it was built by the Byzantines, but there is no definite date information. In written sources,...