Description of the attraction
The bastion of Porta del Mare was one of the two main gates through which one could enter the city of Famagusta, surrounded by a high fortified wall. It was built in the period from 1491 to 1496 to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the city, designed by the architect Nicolo Prioli. The bastion received the name "Porta del Mare", which means "Sea Gate", because it was this structure that was the first that the sailors saw from the ship when approaching the city.
During the time of the Venetians who built this bastion, its main gate was protected by an iron lifting lattice, and above it was carved the figure of a winged lion, which is the symbol of the Evangelist Mark, one of the patrons of Venice. A little further from the gate is another marble lion - the emblem of the Venetian Republic. The name of the architect and the year of completion of the bastion were engraved on it. There is a legend that one night this lion will open its mouth, and the one who at that moment puts his hand in it will become the owner of countless treasures. Later, after the Ottomans captured the fortress and the city, the structure was slightly rebuilt, the grill on the gate was replaced with a wooden door clad with iron, but the lions remained intact.
The bastion has survived to this day in good condition, which in itself speaks of its reliability. But, despite this, recently, repair and restoration work has been carried out on its territory. In addition, part of the bastion belongs to the customs zone, so it is closed to the public.
