Inarguably the most impressive sight in Famagusta's old town, and amongst the handful of must-see attractions on the entire island, the former St Nicholas Cathedral is a true testament to Cyprus’ long and intriguing history. Originally constructed by the Lusignan royals in the early 14th century and consecrated in 1328, the striking Gothic architecture serves as a lasting reminder of the influence that France had once played in the region.

In fact, the architectural similarities with the famed Notre-Dame de Reims has led the building to be referred to as ‘The Reims of North Cyprus’ in some circles, while those who have already visited the Bellapais Abbey near Kyrenia or St Sophia Cathedral in Nicosia will also notice certain resemblances.

While the building suffered significant damage both during earthquakes and the Ottoman conquest of the island, its conversion to a mosque in 1571 spared it any architectural tampering, which is why its Gothic elements have survived to the present day. Known as Hagia Sofia Mosque for some four centuries, in 1954 it was renamed after the 16th century Grand Vizier, who was responsible for ending the Venetians’ relatively short-lived reign on the island.

Nowadays, the mosque is freely open for visitors, outside of prayer times. Shoes must be taken off and left on the shelves at the entrance, and shawls will also be given out to anyone needing to cover their shoulders. The giant cavernous interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with the carpeted floors keeping the large space eerily quiet, calm and peaceful, even if a large number of visitors are inside.

For anyone with even a passing interest in architecture or religious history, it's definitely worth hiring a guide to provide a more detailed, thorough explanation than we can offer here.