Othello Tower: Famagusta's Fortified Harbor Guardian

Othello Tower, or Othello Castle, stands as a historic fortification in Famagusta, North Cyprus, with origins dating back to the 14th century. Constructed by the Lusignans, who ruled the Kingdom of Cyprus, the tower initially served as a moated citadel to protect Famagusta's harbor and was the town's original main entrance. It was once known as the "impenetrable fortress" due to the deep ditches surrounding it, making attacks nearly impossible.In 1492, the Venetians, who took control of Cyprus, significantly remodeled the citadel into a military stronghold. They replaced the original square towers with round ones to accommodate cannons and gunpowder, essential for modern artillery. The Venetians also removed the first floor to make the tower less visible from the outside, strengthening the town's defenses. Above the main entrance, a marble relief of the Lion of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, was added, along with an inscription crediting Captain Nicolo Foscareno for the renovations. Some even believe Leonardo da Vinci offered advice on strengthening the fortress during a visit in 1481.The tower's name comes from Shakespeare's play "Othello," which is set in a Cyprus harbor town. While the connection is somewhat vague, it's been suggested that the play's Moorish character was inspired by Cristoforo Moro, a Venetian governor of Cyprus. Inside the tower, visitors can explore the central courtyard, the Great Hall, and the ramparts, which offer stunning views of Famagusta and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Cannonballs from the Spanish and Ottoman periods are also preserved in the courtyard, serving as relics of the castle's turbulent past.Following a restoration project that began in 2014, Othello Tower reopened to the public on July 3, 2015. Today, it stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich history and a chance to appreciate the mix of Lusignan and Venetian architecture. Legend has it that fortunes remain hidden within the tower, buried by Venetian merchants fearing the advancing Ottomans.