Othello Castle
Famagusta’s harbour citadel, linked with Shakespeare’s “Othello”, set “in a seaport in Cyprus”.
The Lusignans built the citadel in the 14th century; the Venetians rebuilt it for artillery in the late 15th century. The winged Lion of St Mark sits above the entrance.
After restoration a great Gothic hall, towers and the sea walls are open to visitors.
Plays and concerts are sometimes held in the courtyard in summer.
Tips
- Climb onto the walls.
- An hour is enough.
- Entrance on the harbour side of the old town.
Getting there
North-east corner of Famagusta old town.
Prices, opening hours and entry rules change — check official sources before you travel.
Nearby
Famagusta and the eastFamagusta Old Town and Lala Mustafa Pasha MosqueA fortress town behind Venetian walls: the Gothic St Nicholas Cathedral, ruins of dozens of churches and quiet lanes.
Famagusta and the eastVarosha (Maraş) – the closed resortFamagusta’s former resort, fenced off since 1974; part of its streets has been open to visitors since 2020.
Famagusta and the eastSt Barnabas MonasteryA monastery by the tomb of the Apostle Barnabas, founder of the Church of Cyprus — now an icon and archaeology museum.