If you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the most interesting and mysterious cities in Cyprus, be sure to go to Famagusta. This city is able to surprise even the most sophisticated travelers thanks to its rich cultural heritage and unique architecture, which is a mix of Byzantine, Gothic and Ottoman styles. Famagusta is famous for its powerful medieval fortresses and, of course, the iconic ghost district of Varosha.
Varosha: A ghost town that attracts attention
Varosha is a quarter in Famagusta that remained closed to the public for many decades. Since 1974, after the division of Cyprus into Turkish and Greek parts, the area has been abandoned. However, on October 8, 2020, a historical event occurred: Varosha was partially open to tourists. Now this area with abandoned hotels, houses and other infrastructure is accessible to everyone, making it one of the most popular places in Northern Cyprus.
To truly appreciate the atmosphere of Varosha, it is important to study the history of Famagusta from its founding until the events of 1974, which became a turning point in the history of the city.
History of Famagusta: from antiquity to the present day
Famagusta arose on the ruins of ancient Arsinoe, founded in the 3rd century BC. King Ptolemy II. Over the centuries, this city has experienced ups and downs, becoming an object of attraction for conquerors and traders.
Key stages in the history of the city:
- 1190-91 : During the crusade, Richard the Lionheart's ships were damaged off the coast of Cyprus. After a conflict with the local ruler Isaac Comnenus, Richard captured Famagusta, making it an important stronghold.
- 1291 : After the fall of Tire and the exodus of the Crusaders from the Holy Land, Famagusta became a prosperous center of the Christian world.
- 1382 : Power over the city passed from the Genoese to the Venetians. The city remained an important trading port in the Christian Levant until the siege by the Turks in 1570.
- 1571 : The Turks captured the city after a long siege, leading to significant changes in its structure.
With the advent of British rule in the 19th century, Famagusta became a fortified seaport. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population of the city was about four thousand people.
The Rise of Varosha: The Golden Age
From 1960 to 1974, Varosha, in the southwest of Famagusta, became one of the most prestigious resorts in the Mediterranean. This area has become a holiday destination for world celebrities, attracting tourists with luxurious hotels, beaches, restaurants and nightclubs.
At the time of 1974, the population of Famagusta was about 39 thousand people, of which 25.5 thousand were Greek Cypriots, 8.5 thousand were Turkish Cypriots, and the rest were representatives of other ethnic groups. Varosha was not only a tourist center, but also an important transport center, through which about 83% of the island's freight traffic passed.
1974: The Turning Point
On July 20, 1974, a coup attempt took place in Cyprus, organized by Greek nationalists. Their goal was to annex the island to Greece. However, Türkiye carried out a military operation, after which Varosha was evacuated and closed to visitors. The area became a symbol of the division of Cyprus and was nicknamed "ghost town".
Return to life: Opening of Varosha in 2020
On October 8, 2020, the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, with the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, announced the opening of part of Varosha to tourists. This decision aroused enormous interest, and in the first three months after the opening, the quarter was visited by more than 100 thousand people.
Transformations in Varosha:
- New roads and bike paths have been built.
- Lanterns, benches, gazebos and toilets are installed.
- Beaches with recreation areas, cafes and showers are open.
- For the convenience of tourists, bicycles are provided - more than 600 are already available.
Visitors can move around the open area of Varosha daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Tips for tourists
If you plan to visit Famagusta and Varosh, be sure to allocate time on an excursion with the guide. This will help to better understand the historical and cultural significance of this area. Do not forget to use the bicycles to inspect the quarter and its environs.
Famagusta and Varosha are unique places that offer a rare opportunity to touch the rich history of Cyprus and see how the past is intertwined with the present.
📍 Varosha on the map - here
