The fortress of Famagusta was built during the Lusignan rule, but during the Venetian rule it became impregnable. The most well preserved Castle of Othello and the Martinengo Bastion. However, the fortress walls and other sections are still in very good condition and are of interest to tourists.
The length of the fortress walls of Famagusta reaches 3 kilometers. The height of the walls was 17 meters. In many places, the Venetians integrated the walls into the rock, which increased their strength. The Venetians brought their best architects to the construction of the Famagusta fortress walls, who designed them taking into account the increased power of artillery.
The main citadel of Famagusta is Othello Castle. It is a powerful square fortress with round towers on the sides. It was then called simply Castello. He got the name Othello when there happened a scene of jealousy, which Shakespeare later described in his play Othello.
On the South-West side are the Land gate, which was protected by the powerful Ravelin Gate Bastion. It was built by the Venetians in 1544. You can enter the Bastion to see the fortifications.
The main entrance to the city from the port was the Sea Gate. They were built in 1496. The passage in the tower was lined with marble slabs that were brought from ancient Salamis. Near the gate there is a sculpture of a Lion, which was a symbol of the Republic of Venice.
On the East side is a round Arsenal tower. During the Turkish rule, a lighthouse was built over the tower. The Turks call it the Tower Dzhambulat, in honor of the brave officer who sacrificed himself during the storming of Famagusta. He was able to bring a charge of gunpowder to the wall near the Arsenal tower, and its explosion made a hole in it. The Venetians put a wheel with huge blades in this place. It spun quickly and could easily chop anyone who tried to pass through the opening into pieces. Then Dzhambulat on a horse rushed into this opening. It was hacked to pieces, but the wheel jammed, and the Turks resumed the assault. The Venetians were forced to blow up the wall at the Arsenal tower. This struggle exhausted the strength of the Venetians, and they then decided to capitulate. Dzhambulat was buried near this tower in a marble sarcophagus, which is surrounded by the battle banners of the Turkish army. In the Arsenal Bastion is a Museum Dzhambulat.
Behind the Arsenal tower is the Campo Santo tower. On the South side of the fortress wall are the Andruzzi and Santa Napa towers. In some places on the South side, mountain ledges are integrated into the wall to almost half the height. To the West, the city is protected by a wall with four semicircular towers. Almost all the fortifications of Famagusta have been preserved to this day in good condition.
