Famagusta was once a quiet fishing village but soon became an important and wealthy port. Refugees first came from Salamis after Arab invaders destroyed it and then Christian refugees arrived after the invasion of the holy lands. The island was invaded in1372 by the Genoese and the city lost most of its wealth. Many buildings were damaged during the Ottoman invasion in 1571, the British made use of the remains whilst building the Suez Canal. Famagusta is now the largest port in Cyprus serving purpose as a commercial port and also in a military capacity. As a result of its location Famagusta, has one of the most strategic spots in all Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean and has managed to maintain its importance throughout the centuries.

Famagusta is also home to the largest university in Northern Cyprus. The Eastern Mediterranean University was founded in 1979 and the campus covers over 2200 acres, and educates students from all over the world.

Early on in its history Famagusta boasted around 350 churches within the area that was later to be fortified by the impressive defensive walls. The Othello castle is of particular interest to visitors fond of William Shakespeare's famous play of the same name. The Othello tower is the setting for the play set in a Cypriot port. Also within the walled city is the Venetian Palace after its destruction in 1571 the palace was used by the Ottomans as a prison. The famous Turkish playwright Namik Kemal was exiled to Cyprus in 1873 and remained incarcerated in his cell until he was pardoned in 1876. There are numerous mosques to visit in Famagusta with many varied examples of architecture.

If you travel just 8km north of Famagusta you reach the site of the spectacular ruins of Salamis which is on the top of most visitors' places to see list. The history of the site dates back to the 11 th century BC. Salamis once the capital of Cyprus was severely damaged by earthquakes and was rebuilt by the Emperor Constantine. However after raids by Arab invaders and more earthquakes the city was once again destroyed. The inhabitants fled to nearby Famagusta and the city was deserted, never to be rebuilt or lived in again. The breathtakingly beautiful ruins can still be seen today with sites such as the Gymnasium, the amphitheatre which is still used today for open-air concerts, and roman baths. The coloured tiles used in the mosaic floors of the chapel are stunning. Many parts of the city still lay undiscovered under sand and fields awaiting discovery.

Another interesting place to visit is St Barnabas Monastery and church, originally built in 477AD with the present structure being constructed in 1756 during the ottoman rule. Born in Salamis, St Barnabas was the son of a Jewish family. He spread the word of the Christian faith and as a result was killed by fellow Jews. His body was initially hidden in Marshland and later dumped in the sea at night. Followers of St Barnabas that had witnessed his death secretly retrieved the body and buried it along with Barnabas' copy of St Mathews Bible under a carob tree near Salamis. The monastery and church were later built on this spot to commemorate the discovery of his body. Still active as a monastery right up until 1976 when the last remaining monks left. The building was renovated in 1992 and opened to the public. It also houses the archaeology and Icon museum.