One of the most popular excursions from Nicosia is a trip for the whole day on the east coast of Cyprus with a visit to Famagusta. The cost of this very interesting from a cognitive point of view of the route calculated for the whole day is 80 euros.
During a review excursion in Famagust, the Guide will pay special attention to the story of the unusually rich history of the city. Initially, this village was called Alasia and was built near modern enzymie. Then the salamine appeared here, destroyed by the 4th century an earthquake of our era. Later he was rebuilt with him, but he had already received the title. Arab raids of the 7th century plunged the city in almost the ruins, and all local residents moved to the place of the ancient city of Arsinoe. From 10th century AD. The place of Arsinoe occupied a new city, which received the modern name Ammany (Famagusta).
During the years of French dominion of 12-16 centuries. The city becomes one of the most famous and rich cities in the world. At the same time, high mills around the city were constructed. They survived to this day and share the city to the old and new. The city's excursion will begin with visits to the Monastery of the Apostle Varnava. He preached Christianity on the island along with the Apostles Pavel and Mark, and later became the first Bishop of Salamin. This monastery was completely destroyed by Arabs and rebuilt in a short time. In 17-18 centuries. The monastery was rebuilt.
Eastern Monastery of the Holy Varnava, not far from Famagustov are the ruins of the ancient city of Salamin. Here will be your way further during this excursion. Ancient Salamin was founded by the hero of the Trojan War TEVKROM. Thanks to the unique geographical location and natural port, this city at different stages of its existence was one of the most significant cities in Cyprus. For many centuries, and especially during the reign of King Evagora I, he was the center of Hellenism of the Eastern Mediterranean. Here you are inspecting the theater, gymnasium, agor, the temple of Zeus Olympic, as well as the early Christian Basilica of St. Epiphany and Kabanopetras. The ruins of Salamin, which will open your gaze, testify to its former power and magnitude. Earlier in the theater of Salamin, ancient tragedies were even put. Today it is just an archaeological object.
Next, moving to the east, the route of the excursion will be held along the coast of Cyprus with its picturesque bay and fertile plain. In the 17th century BC A settlement was founded here, which turned into one of the important centers of Cyprus in the later times of the Copper Epoch (14-13 V. BC). The settlement was called Engomi. Here you will visit the archaeological reserve. And in the temple of this village was found the statue of the horned god, standing on the pedestal made from one talent of silver. About 1200 BC. The city was surrounded by cyclopic walls. From large slices of stone, spacious palaces and temples were built here. During the excavations in Engy, it was found that it was built according to a unique urban planning plan. And in the courtyards of some housing, items made of gold, ivory, alabastra, copper, as well as mycken vessels, decorated with patterns.
After lunch in the local tavern, the group will go to the inspection of the next facility - the Tower of Othello. Another name is Acropolis Famagusta. This is a four-rounded castle with four round towers located at its corners. This facility was built in the 14th century and had two floors. The second floor at the end of the 15th century was destroyed by the Venetian captain, whose name together with the winged lion, the symbol of the Venice Republic, is above the main entrance to the building. Be sure to make a photo here. The castle is separated from other fortifications of the city and is surrounded by the RV. The two front towers of the castle are facing the sea, and the two rear towers - towards the city. Opposite the castle once there was an entrance to the port, which overlapped with a chain. In the arrogant tower, the events of the famous tragedy V. Sispira "Othello were unfolded.
Further, the route of the excursion runs through the village of Livranged. Here is one of the most famous churches of the Virgin Kanachor's churches in Cyprus. During the well-known historical events of the end of the 20th century, mosaic paintings were removed from all the walls. Now some of them are exhibited in the Byzantine Museum of Nicosia.
The last stop on the route of this excursion is the city of Kerinea. According to legend, it was built on the site of the oldest ruins. He founded him once ameitsa. The kingdom of Kerineia is mentioned in the historical chronicles dated to the most ancient centuries of civilization. The port of the city played an important role in ancient navigation. The sunbathing ship of the Hellenistic era, which was found near the ancient port, was called "Kerinea Ship" and testifies to the broad trade relations of that era. During the Byzantine era, Bishopat Kerinea was founded. He is mentioned in the chronicles until 1222, when he was canceled by the French. In the 17th century, he was restored again. In the village of Upper Kerinium, you inspect the ruins of the early Christian Basilica. In the time of Byzantines, the foundation of the garrison of Kerinia was laid here. Some parts of this building and the octagonal Vizantine Church of St. George (10-12) are preserved. During the authorities of the French, Luzinian kings expanded and strengthened the garrison, surrounded the city with the walls and improved the port. Among the houses of Lower Kerinia, you can see the towers that are the remnants of the garrison walls. The decline of the city began in 1922, when trading with opposite shores stopped after a low-apia catastrophe, and the port lost its significance.
Kerini Castle, which you will have the opportunity to examine in your free time, is located in the eastern port at the very shores of the sea. High walls are connected by four large towers. It was built by Roman and Byzantine emperors. The castle is the courtyard, around which warehouses, prisons, rooms, weapons warehouses, closed by domes of water tanks focused. The entrance to the lock is carried out on the mounted bridge, percken through the ditch. Once in the courtyard of the garrison, among the majestic and arrogant atmosphere, various public events were held: theatrical productions were made, concerts were held. Here in a specially equipped hall you will see the ancient ship of Kerinea.