Must-See Historical Sites in Northern Cyprus
With its vibrant entertainment spots, comfortable resorts and historical sites Northern Cyprus is a distinctive island in the heart of the Mediterranean. This holiday paradise offers sand, sea, sun, and joy for everyone from families with children to newlyweds, set against the backdrop of thousands of years of history. For those curious about the historical sites, Northern Cyprus is an ideal holiday destination, offering more than expected. The Salamis Ruins, which inspired luxury accommodations such as Salamis Bay Conti Resort, the 1,400-year-old Kyrenia Castle and its stunning harbor, and the Selimiye Mosque with its striking Gothic architecture are just a few of the must-see historical sites in Cyprus. With all these historical sites Northern Cyprus is a perfect destination for those who want to go beyond an ordinary holiday and embark on a fascinating journey. The cities where you can discover these historical sites in Cyprus are as follows: Nicosia: The world’s only divided capital, bearing traces of a rich history spanning Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Kyrenia: A true Mediterranean city with structures reflecting Venetian architecture, a harbor offering magnificent views, and a grand castle. Famagusta: With the impressive walls of Othello Castle that have protected it for centuries, Famagusta is like an open-air museum of the Middle Ages. Discover the Northern Cyprus historical sites with us!
Historical Sites to Visit in Nicosia
As the capital of Northern Cyprus, Nicosia is the most populous city on the island and one of its most vibrant and culturally rich regions. Home to Ottoman, Venetian, and Byzantine influences, Nicosia boasts a diverse selection of the Cyprus historical sites. Top places to visit include Selimiye Mosque, St. Sophia Cathedral, Büyük Han, and Bedesten.
Selimiye Mosque and St. Sophia Cathedral
Of all the historical sites in Cyprus, Nicosia holds a special place, and Selimiye Mosque undoubtedly plays the most prominent role. With its exquisite stonework, the mosque captivates visitors and is one of the few examples of gothic architecture within Islamic civilization. Originally built in the 13th century as St. Sophia Cathedral, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of the island.
Today, the mosque stands as one of the most popular Northern Cyprus historical sites, attracting architecture enthusiasts from around the world.
Büyük Han and Bedesten
Built during the Ottoman Empire and opened in 1572, Büyük Han is still vibrant today. Not only is it a famous historical building with arches and fine stone craftsmanship, it is also a cultural hub filled with art galleries, shops, and cafes.
Another must-see spot in Nicosia is Bedesten, located right next to Selimiye Mosque. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it has served as both a church and a marketplace at different times. Today, it hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
Historical Sites in Kyrenia
Kyrenia is one of the most popular tourist cities not only in Northern Cyprus but also in the entire Mediterranean. The city is renowned for its walls overlooking the turquoise waters and the picturesque views created by the sailboats scattered around.
Kyrenia Castle and Harbor
Built by the Byzantines in the 7th century, Kyrenia Castle has served as the city’s protective fortress for 1,400 years. Today, it is a symbol of the city, having gained its majestic appearance through additions made during the Lusignan, Venetian, and Ottoman periods. Inside the castle is the Shipwreck Museum, notable for housing one of the world’s oldest known merchant shipwrecks.
Kyrenia Harbor, one of the most popular ancient historical sites in Cyprus, located right next to the castle, has been a meeting point for Mediterranean ships for centuries. Filled with colorful boats, this historic harbor offers a distinctive atmosphere where the past and present intertwine.
With its museums, handicraft workshops, and seaside restaurants, Kyrenia Castle and Harbor are among the most enjoyable stops on the island.
Bellapais Monastery
Bellapais Monastery is a historic monastery located in the village of Beylerbeyi (Bellapais), about 5 kilometers from Kyrenia. As one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Western Asia, it was built in the 12th century. The monastery, which even captivated English writer Lawrence Durrell, offers magnificent mountain and sea views. For this reason, it is a favorite destination not only for history enthusiasts but also for photography lovers.
Historical Sites in Larnaca and Famagusta
Larnaca and Famagusta are two of the most important cities in eastern Cyprus. Larnaca is renowned for its natural beauty and remnants of ancient civilizations, while Famagusta features stunning structures from the Venetian and Ottoman eras.
Larnaca Salt Lake and Ancient Kition
Through Larnaca’s natural beauty and ancient historical sites, Cyprus stands out as one of the best destinations to explore in the Mediterranean region.
Larnaca Salt Lake is one of the most beautiful nature excursion spots in Cyprus. Situated along the migration route of flamingos, it offers visitors delightful natural scenery. Ancient Kition, on the other hand, is one of the oldest settlements on the island, with a history dating back to the thirteenth century BCE. Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of temples and ancient city walls.
Famagusta Walls and Othello Castle
Beyond Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Larnaca, thanks to Famagusta’s ancient historical sites, Cyprus is considered one of the cultural gems of the Mediterranean. The city is particularly notable for its medieval walls, Gothic architecture, and stories that have inspired literature.
English playwright William Shakespeare set his famous tragedy Othello in Famagusta. The massive Venetian walls surrounding the city have protected Othello Castle for centuries. Another remarkable structure within these walls is Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, originally a Gothic cathedral that was later converted into a mosque.
Complete your history-filled Cyprus adventure and book your stay at Salamis Bay Conti! Like every corner of the Mediterranean, there are plenty of historical sites in Cyprus. Renowned Cyprus hotels allow you to explore these Northern Cyprus historical sites while enjoying a peaceful and entertaining stay. Among these Cyprus hotels, Salamis Bay Conti Resort welcomes you in its luxurious, all-inclusive accommodations. Inspired by the famous Salamis Ruins, the resort offers families with children and newlyweds a holiday experience filled with history and entertainment.
Explore the Salamis Bay Conti Resort's accommodations and embark on an unforgettable journey through Cyprus with your family and loved ones today!
