Description of the attraction
During the reign of the Ottomans in Cyprus, who tried in every possible way to strengthen their influence on the island, many Christian churches and monasteries were turned into mosques. This is exactly what happened to the beautiful Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which was erected in Famagusta in 1298-1312, back in the era of the Lusignans. Funds for the construction of the temple were allocated by Bishop Guillaume de Aybeline, but he never managed to see this cathedral with his own eyes - he died 4 years before the completion of construction. This temple is famous for the fact that the wedding of monarchs to the throne of Jerusalem took place there. In addition, it was from there that the procession began, which was supposed to stop the plague epidemic in Famagusta. And, according to historians, after that the epidemic really miraculously stopped. Later, the cathedral was turned into a mosque and was named Lala Mustafa Pasha.
The building is even now one of the most impressive Gothic structures in the city. It is known that the facade of the temple was almost completely copied from the facade of the famous Reims Cathedral, where the coronation of French kings was held. So, above the main entrance there are small windows with colored glass and traditional openwork stone bindings, thanks to which a somewhat mysterious atmosphere reigns in the building. Outside, the walls are decorated with exquisite carvings and stucco moldings, and inside the ceiling is supported by eight massive columns.
In 1570-1571, the building came under fire, as a result of which its towers were damaged, which were never restored.
Behind the cathedral there is a small chapel, also built in the Gothic style, which now houses a small restaurant. And next to it is a fig tree, which is believed to have been planted when the temple was laid in 1299.
