FAMAGUSTA:
Originally finishing villege during the 13th century , Famagusta rapidly evolved to become a major mediaeval ecture commercial center between east and west , and a residence for rich merchants who built many of many of the monuments seen today, within the impressive walls built by the venetians to protect the wealth of the city from hostile invaders. Lusignans crowned their kings in the famous St Nicholas catedral which now dominates the old city , with its original gothic arthit, superbly preserved by the Ottoman Turks who added a minaret and converted the interior into a mosque. Famagusta can offer a wealth of treasure for the culturally orientated visitor such as the antigue Roman city of Salamis , Othello's Tower , Bronse age ruins of Alasia and Engomi, the monastery of St Bernabas,now an Icon museim , and the Kantara castel. Apart from a rich and varied history , in this warmestthe part of cyprus lie miles unspoiltand uncrowded beaches . Several bars and restaurants along the coast . serv the best of fresh traditional and continantal dishes as well as the local brandy; raki and beer . yoiu will enjoy waliking the narrow streets of the old city of Cyprus, deep with in the safetyof the historic walls , where hunderds of shopkeepers display their selection of local arts and crafts .
