Martinengo Bastion is one of the most impressive fortifications in Cyprus. The city of Famagusta was the main port on the island during the Venetian rule. To protect it, powerful fortifications were built in the port. However, the city was not protected from the Northwest, so the Venetians decided to build a Bastion here.
Construction of the Bastion began in 1550, and was completed in 1559. The work was led by the famous architect Giovanni San Michele from Verona. The Bastion was later named after Martinengo. He was one of the officers who defended the city during the assault in 1570.
Martinengo Bastion is so impregnable that the Turks did not even try to attack Famagusta fortress from this side. The Bastion is built in the shape of an arrow facing the enemy. On the sides of the Bastion facade, orillons (the edges of the arrowhead) were built, which increased the possibility of firing at the enemy. The Bastion Del Mezzo was added nearby, which increased the firepower of Martinengo`s main Bastion.
