The three archways you see facing Namik Kemal Square are the most impressive remnants of what was originally a massive Venetian palace that sat opposite St Nicholas Cathedral, and one of the few surviving examples of Venetian architecture in the Famagusta. The columns themselves are even more interesting, as they are actually of Roman origin and were repurposed here after being salvaged from nearby Salamis.
Originally constructed around the turn of the 14th century, the once palatial complex served as the residence of the local sovereigns (ie the Lusignan Kings of Cyprus) until it suffered significant damage in the earthquake of 1369. However, when the Venetians moved their Cypriot capital to Famagusta from Nicosia in the 1550s, they rebuilt and restored much of the palace to its former glory, although replaced the ‘old-fashioned’ Gothic architecture with the newly trendy Italian Renaissance style.
In the following centuries the Ottomans used it mainly for military purposes (barracks, prison, drilling grounds) as did the British who eventually followed them. Nowadays the remaining walls comprise what must unofficially be one of the most historic parking lots anywhere in the world.
Originally constructed around the turn of the 14th century, the once palatial complex served as the residence of the local sovereigns (ie the Lusignan Kings of Cyprus) until it suffered significant damage in the earthquake of 1369. However, when the Venetians moved their Cypriot capital to Famagusta from Nicosia in the 1550s, they rebuilt and restored much of the palace to its former glory, although replaced the ‘old-fashioned’ Gothic architecture with the newly trendy Italian Renaissance style.
In the following centuries the Ottomans used it mainly for military purposes (barracks, prison, drilling grounds) as did the British who eventually followed them. Nowadays the remaining walls comprise what must unofficially be one of the most historic parking lots anywhere in the world.
