The Cathedral of St. Nicholas, now known as the mosque of Lala Mustafa Pasha, is a magnificent building, which has become a symbol of the medieval Famagusta. Built in the XIV century in the style of the late Gothic, this temple surprisingly retained the elements of European architecture, transferred to Cyprus land, and served as evidenced by the power and faith of the Lusignan dynasty.
Architecture: Gothic in Cyprus
The cathedral was built on the model of the Cathedral of the French city of Reims. This resemblance is so obvious that the temple is often called the "Cyprus Reim Cathedral." The building was made in the style of late Gothic, which rarely met outside France. However, architects added elements characteristic of Byzantium, such as three apsides on the eastern side of the cathedral.
The facade of the cathedral is turned to the west. The central entrance is decorated with three portal arches with skillful threads, and a large window rosette with radial rays resembling a flower rises above it. The internal space of the cathedral is divided into three naves. The central oil, supported by twelve massive columns, is much higher than the side, which creates the effect of airiness and greatness.
The external walls of the temple are strengthened by buttors and Arkbutans, which allowed architects to create a spacious interior. At the time of completion of construction, the cathedral was considered one of the largest buildings in Cyprus, its length was 55 meters, and the width was 23 meters.
Construction and early history
The construction of the cathedral began in 1298 at Bishop Guillaume de Aybeline, who allocated 70 thousand gold bizants for this. However, the bishop died ten years after the start of work, without seeing the completion of his project. In 1312, the construction was officially completed, and in 1328 the cathedral was consecrated.
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas became the place of coronation of Cyprus kings. These ceremonies were held twice: at first, in Nicosia, the kings were crowned with the crown of Cyprus, and then in Famaguste - the crown of Jerusalem. This is due to the fact that the Luzignans from which the rulers of Cyprus took, considered themselves the legal heirs of the Jerusalem throne.
In the XIV century, the cathedral witnessed many historical events. In 1348, during the plague epidemic, the temple became the center of the procession, which, according to the annals, miraculously stopped the spread of the disease in Famaguste.
Destruction and transformation into a mosque
In 1571, during the siege of Famaguste, Turkish troops, the cathedral was seriously damaged by artillery fire. After the capture of the city of the Ottoman Empire, the temple was transformed into a mosque. All Christian symbols were removed from him - crosses, stained glass, statues and frescoes. The floors were covered with carpets, and Mihrab appeared on the site of the altar. A minaret was attached to one of the towers of the cathedral, and the bells injured during the siege were never restored.
The Ottoman rule left a significant mark in the history of the cathedral, which in 1974 was renamed the mosque of Lala Mustafa Pasha in honor of the general, who led the siege of Famagusta.
Preserved elements and current state
Despite numerous destruction, the facade of the cathedral remains a rare example of purely Gothic architecture. A large outlet above the main entrance and elegant lancet windows are delighted even today. Inside, only one tomb was preserved - the bishop of Famagusta, who died in 1365. On a white marble slab, his image with a pastoral staff is engraved.
To the left of the entrance, an ancient fig tree planted at the time of laying the cathedral is growing. He is more than 700 years old, and it is a living reminder of the greatness and longevity of this building.
Conclusion
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is a unique architectural monument, which, despite numerous trials, retained its greatness. Its story is the story of Cyprus: from the Crusades to the Ottoman conquest, from European Gothic to oriental traditions. Today, this place attracts tourists and researchers, maintaining the spirit of the era and reminding the cultural wealth of the island.
📍 Location: Cathedral of St. Nicholas (now the Mosque Lala Mustafa Pasha)- here.
