Discover Famagusta from Paphos & Limassol

The ancient city-kingdom of Salamis lies 9km north of Famagusta and is the most important archaeological site on Cyprus. It is the Ancient Roman city.  There is much to see and the excavations cover a considerable area. Most visitors will be content to spend an hour or two exploring the main excavations, the gymnasium, baths and the theatre. Enthusiasts will want to explore further and there are well laid tracks leading to the outlying ruins.  

Famagusta is one of the most important, greatly fortified ports on the shores of the Mediterranean. To the north of  Famagusta lie the fabulous ruins of Salamis. This one great city is believed to have been founded in the 11th Century BC and the influences of the many conquering nations- notably the Romans - the city was finally abandoned in 648 AD following the combined catastrophes of earthquake and raids by Arab pirates, when the population moved to Famagusta. The spectacular ruins give a fascinating insight into long-lost civilisations and include a magnificent amphitheatre, Roman baths, a gymnasium and royal tombs. The mosaics are particularly beautiful. Just inland from  Famagusta are the church and monastery dedicated to St. Barnabas, the founder of the apostolic church on   Cyprus in 45 AD. Barnabas, a Cypriot from  Salamis visited the island accompanied by  S t. Paul and St. Mark and was later martyred in  Salamis in 52 AD. The  church of   St. Barnabas is preserved exactly as it was since abandoned in 1976. There is a wonderful collection of 18th Century icons and the monastery cloisters now houses an archaeological.