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Famagusta
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Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque |
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| Standing formidably in the
centre of the old city’s walls, this
building, built by the Lusignans between
1298 and 1312, is one of the most beautiful
Gothic structures in the Mediterranean. The
imposing edifice, formerly known as the St.
Nicholas Cathedral, boasts two tall towers,
one topped with a minaret, which can still
be seen from miles away despite having
suffered some damage from earlier battles
and earthquakes. One of the original
stained-glass windows also remains: the
six-part rose window high above the
western-facing façade. This main façade,
which gazes across the old city’s main
square, may look familiar, as the design was
originally based upon the Gothic Rheims
Cathedral in France. The Lusignan kings
would visit this church to be coronated King
of Jerusalem, once they had been crowned in
the capital city. The cathedral was turned
into a mosque in 1571 by the building’s
namesake Lala Mustafa Paşa, the man who
conquered the city that same year – it now
also contains a small shrine and an Ottoman
tomb dating from 1700. It is a vast airy
space, enhanced by its white-washed walls,
that bestows a great sense of calm and
lightness to its visitors. It is also said
that the old East African fig tree at the
entrance of the mosque was planted in 1250
and could therefore be the oldest living
tree in Cyprus! The 16th century Venetian
gallery, also in the courtyard, is today
used as a reservoir for ablutions.
When visiting the mosque, please ensure
to respect the modest dress code which
includes removing shoes, covering legs (men
and women) and a headscarf for women – the
curator can also supply the correct attire
if you forget to bring your own. |
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