The Blue House Travel Guide
Free Guide: Explore the intriguing history and unique architecture of the Blue House, a former residence of an arms smuggler, now a captivating museum in Çamlıbel, Cyprus.
A brief summary of The Blue House
Explore the intriguing history and unique architecture of the Blue House, a former residence of an arms smuggler, now a captivating museum in Çamlıbel, Cyprus.
Located near Çamlıbel, the Blue House (Mavi Köşk) is a controversial mansion built in 1957 by Paulo Paolides, a lawyer and arms smuggler. Now a museum, it offers a glimpse into the opulent and secretive life of its former owner, with unique architecture and hidden features.
- Address
- 83C6+7M8, Çamlıbel 1000
Getting there
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Overview
The Blue House, or Mavi Köşk in Turkish, stands as a mysterious landmark near the village of Çamlıbel in Northern Cyprus. Constructed in 1957, the mansion was home to Paulo Paolides, a Greek-born lawyer and one of the Middle East's biggest arms smugglers.The house boasts unique architecture, designed to provide unobstructed views from the inside while remaining inconspicuous from the outside. Legend says the architect was killed to protect this secret. The mansion is filled with unusual items, including a reading chair that hardens to prevent the sitter from falling asleep and a room with a separate foundation for earthquake protection. Other features include a regular outdoor pool and a smaller indoor pool where guests took milk baths.According to legend, Paolides fled the mansion through a secret tunnel to the sea during the 1974 Cyprus operation, destroying the tunnel behind him before escaping to Italy. Some claim he was later killed by the Italian mafia. Today, the Blue House operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich and colorful history. Guided tours are available in multiple languages. Keep in mind that the Blue House is located on a military base, so visitors are required to bring their passports. Photography is prohibited inside.
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