Overview:

Famagusta Gate, located in the old city of Nicosia, Cyprus, is the ancient entrance to the city, built by the Venetians in 1567. This gate has been referred to by various names throughout its long history, including Famagusta Gate, Porta Giuliana, and Segugio Porta. This Venetian fortification has been a strategic defense point since ancient times, and it still stands today as a reminder of the Venetian occupation in the city of Nicosia. Its walls, built in the classical style, bear witness to the history of the ancient city. It was the view from this gate which Marco Polo is credited with describing as "the most beautiful and most populous city in the world". Today, visitors to the city can enjoy stunning views of ancient architecture and take a tour of the cobbled streets. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

-Venetian Gothic style architecture -Gothic Revival style gatehouses -Six-pointed stars and the Keys of Cyprus symbolically opening the gates -Köprülü fountain -Marble lion sculptures -Vaulted archways supported by marble columns -Large stone blocks mounted together with limestone mortar -Late Gothic style windows with glazed, multi-colored tiles -Figures of St. Mark and a winged lion carved in relief on the two towers -Cannonball marks on the walls from the Ottomans -Embroidered ox-hide ceremonial cloth -19th-century lamps in the shape of Venetian soldiers’ helmets -Ancient, internal passageway. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Famagusta Gate of Nicosia dates back to1567, and is named after the port town of Famagusta which was once on the eastern coast of Cyprus. The gate is one of eleven gates built to protect the city walls of Nicosia, which were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect the city from invaders. The Famagusta Gate is recognized as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and is the only remaining gate out of the original eleven, as the other ten have been destroyed over the centuries. The gate is located on the east side of old Nicosia, and leads directly to the main street of Ledra, where most of the city's souvenir stores are located. Throughout its history, the gate has witnessed numerous battles between the Ottoman Turks and the Venetians who defended Nicosia. In 1570, the gate withstood a siege led by the Ottoman vizier Lala Mustafa Pasha, which lasted for eleven days. The gate was also the location of a decisive battle in 1571 in which the Ottomans finally took control of the city. According to legend, the Venetian commander Marco Antonio Bragadin was killed by the Ottomans and then flayed alive. Today, the Famagusta Gate is a popular tourist attraction, and is part of the Nicosia walled city which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gate is also home to a museum, which details the history and culture of Nicosia, from the Venetians to the modern era. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Famagusta Gate is the only remaining gate from the Venetian walls surrounding Nicosia. 2. It is also the only city gate still standing out of the three originally built in 1567. 3. The gate’s imposing design has stood up to many historical events, such as earthquakes, sieges, and wars. 4. The Famagusta Gate is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. 5. Inside the city walls, market stalls can be found beneath the gate and offer a variety of items, from souvenirs to local produce. 6. The gate also boasts two towers that are a great backdrop for pictures. 7. The nearby Lusignan Mosque, built in the 1570s, serves as a reminder of the Ottoman occupation of Nicosia. 8. In 1988, the gate was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 9. The distinctive and impressive Famagusta Gate now stands as a symbol of resurrection for the city of Nicosia after centuries of war and conflict. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.