Othello Castle, Famagusta Travel Guide

Othello Castle, a historic fortress in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus, has served as a key defensive structure for centuries. Constructed in the 14th century by the Lusignan dynasty, the castle was initially known as the 'Harbour Citadel'. Its location made it the primary entrance to Famagusta, then a bustling port city.The Republic of Venice, recognizing the castle's strategic importance, significantly remodeled it in 1489. The Venetians replaced the original square towers with round towers to better withstand modern artillery. A marble relief of the Lion of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, was added above the main entrance.Inside the castle, visitors can explore the well-preserved courtyard and climb the towers for panoramic views. Cannonballs serve as relics of its turbulent past. The castle also features a refectory and dormitory constructed during the Lusignan period. Legend has it that Venetian merchants hid their fortunes in underground tunnels during the Ottoman siege of Famagusta in 1571. Othello Castle underwent restoration in 2014 and reopened to the public on July 3, 2015.