Description of the attraction
One of the attractions of the city of Nicosia is its city walls, which are also called "Venetian", as they were erected by the Venetians in 1567 to protect the city. The territory of Nicosia could be accessed through one of three main gates, the largest of which was the Famagusta Gate. They were originally named "Porta Giuliano" after the architect Giulio Savorgnano, who designed them. It was through these gates that travelers from the eastern part of the island arrived in the city. From the outside, this entrance does not look impressive - the gate in the wall near the Caraffa Bastion is of a rather modest size. However, further these unsightly gates lead to a large room, which is a kind of corridor, wide and long, formed by high fortified walls, and rests against a larger and more massive inner gate. There were several openings in the dome of the roof to provide illumination, albeit very dimly. Also in this room there was a place where a trade tent was located - in it tired travelers could buy food and drinks.
What is noteworthy: after Nicosia was captured by the Ottomans, only Turks had the right to ride through these gates on horseback, while Christians and foreigners had to go through the gates on foot. In addition, Porta Giuliano was closed on Fridays, a holy day for Muslims when the gatekeepers had to pray.
Famagusta's gates have been perfectly preserved to this day. After a minor restoration, starting in the 1980s, this building houses a cultural center. In addition, ceremonies in honor of major holidays and various exhibitions are sometimes held there.
