History of the Blue House
According to one popular version, the Blue House, also known as Mavi Koshk, was built in 1956 by Pablo Pavilides, a Greek of Italian origin, and is located on the road to Guzelyurt. Pavilides was known as an influential arms smuggler in the Middle East and lawyer for Archbishop Makarios III, leader of the Greek Cypriot administration.
The mansion amazes with its unique architecture: it was designed to monitor the surrounding area from the inside, while remaining invisible from the outside. According to legend, in order to preserve the secrets of the mansion, the architect was killed after construction was completed.
According to other stories, Pavilides left the mansion in 1974 during the Cyprus operation, using a secret tunnel leading to the sea. Before escaping, he blew up a tunnel to conceal his escape route, and then traveled to Italy, where he was killed by a mobster.
Alternative versions
Hasan Karlytas, president of the Lefke Tourism Association, disputes the generally accepted version. In his opinion, Pavilides was not Makarios' lawyer, but was of Greek Cypriot origin. Karlytas also claims that the house was built in 1973, and not in the 1950s, as is commonly believed.
Why the Blue House is interesting
The mansion attracts tourists not only with its mysterious history, but also with its unique details.
- Secret rooms and devices:
- A special chair that turned from soft to hard, preventing you from falling asleep.
- A room with an independent foundation that protected residents from earthquakes.
- Innovative technologies:
- The natural air conditioning system ensured coolness even in the hot Cypriot summer thanks to specially designed ventilation ducts.
- Architectural features:
- Supervisory points for monitoring the territory.
- An underground tunnel used to escape the owner.
- The acoustic effect area where Pavilides rehearsed his court appearances.
Interiors of the Blue House
The house includes 16 rooms, each of which has its own history:
- Music room: with piano from 1957, baroque armchair and paintings.
- Library: over 1,300 books, bronze statues and a deerskin covered table.
- Living room: designed in Rococo style, decorated with paintings from the 19th century and equipped with a unique air conditioning system.
- Bedrooms:
- Red room for meetings with the mafia.
- Blue bedroom with a mirror allowing you to see all corners of the room.
- Green room with TV for guests to relax.
- The yellow room as a shelter from earthquakes.
Garden and surrounding area
The garden of the house is impressive with a swimming pool, an amphitheater with an acoustic point and stunning views of the sea, mountains and even the Turkish coast in clear weather. There is also a bunker with two machine guns, which ensured the safety of the owner.
Tours and access to the house
The Blue House is located on the territory of a military base, and access to it is only possible by car, presenting a passport at the checkpoint. Tours are conducted in Turkish, English and German, and there is also a Russian-speaking staff member.
Paulides died in Italy in 1986, but his mansion was preserved and became a symbol of luxury, mystery and tragic events of the past. The Turkish army guards the house, highlighting its historical significance.
A visit to the Blue House is a unique opportunity to touch the mysterious history and enjoy the atmosphere of the past, preserved in every detail of this unique place.
📍 Blue House location - HERE.
