Othello Castle in Northern Cyprus
Othello Castle in Famagusta (Northern Cyprus): open from 9:00 to 18:00 in summer, and from 10:00 to 15:00 in winter. Convenient parking is available near the fortress.
- Quick info: prices, opening hours, parking
- Othello Castle in Famagusta
- History of Othello Castle
- Connection to Shakespeare
- How to get there
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick info: prices, opening hours, parking
| Parameter | Value | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Opening hours (summer) | 9:00–18:00 | Refer to the on-site schedule |
| Opening hours (winter) | 10:00–15:00 | Refer to the on-site schedule |
| Parking | location | There are few parking spaces in Famagusta Old Town, often occupied |
Othello Castle in Famagusta
Othello Castle, or Othello Tower, is a fortification in Famagusta, originally built by the Lusignans in the 14th century and later modified by the Venetians.
The castle consists of four round towers. It contains a refectory and a dormitory built during the Lusignan period. Cannonballs left by the Spaniards and Ottomans are preserved in the courtyard — relics of its turbulent history.
Restoration began in 2014, and it reopened to visitors on July 3, 2015.
History of Othello Castle
Originally called the Harbor Citadel, it was built in the 14th century by the Lusignans, rulers of the Kingdom of Cyprus. Before the tower was constructed, there were fortifications on this site built by the Prince of Tyre at the end of the 11th century.
After Cyprus was handed over to the Venetian Republic, they completely rebuilt the citadel, turning it into a military fortress. By removing the second floor and aligning the building’s level with the surrounding walls, they made it invisible from outside the city. The Venetians significantly strengthened the city's defenses, integrating the citadel into the main city walls, with the tower protecting the harbor from potential enemy attacks.
While the thick walls were preserved or reinforced, the rectangular towers of the medieval fortress were replaced with round ones to better suit modern artillery, such as cannons and gunpowder — a non-cylindrical tower could have its corners easily destroyed during attacks. Essentially, the Venetians captured the tower and converted it into a fort, housing soldiers inside. It is also known that in 1566 it served as a prison.
Following these changes, in 1492 a marble figure of the winged Lion of Saint Mark, Venice’s patron, was carved above the castle’s main entrance. The lion’s front paws on land symbolize Venice’s terrestrial power, while its rear paws in the sea represent its maritime empire. The inscription also mentions Venetian captain Nicolao Foscareno, who oversaw the castle’s reconstruction.
The citadel was then renamed in honor of Giovanni San-Michele, the Venetian engineer responsible for rebuilding much of the city.
Connection to Shakespeare
The castle is named after Shakespeare’s famous play "Othello," which, according to one version, is set in a port city in Cyprus. However, there is little evidence supporting this.
Another theory suggests Shakespeare was inspired by the story of the fortress commander and Venetian governor Cristoforo Moro, whose surname can be translated as “Moor.” It is believed that the commander did indeed kill his wife out of jealousy.
How to get there
The castle is located in the center of Famagusta Old Town, and buses do not go directly there. The nearest public transport stop is at the roundabout by Anıt Park. Othello Castle is located here.
- If you don’t have a car, you can rent one online through the search aggregator Trip.com or directly from one of the car rental companies in Northern Cyprus. All options and procedures are detailed in the article "Car Rental in Northern Cyprus".
How to do it
- Drive to Famagusta Old Town and look for parking near the fortress.
- Leave your car and go to the ticket office at the entrance to check current prices and opening hours.
- After visiting, you can continue exploring the Old Town and other attractions of Famagusta.
Parking near Othello Castle
You can park near Othello Fortress here. The parking is popular not only with castle visitors, as parking in the Old Town is very limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ticket required for Othello Fortress?
There is an entrance fee, purchased at a separate ticket office at the entrance. Prices in Northern Cyprus often change, so it’s best to check them on-site.
Is there a toilet at Othello Castle?
Yes, there is a toilet right next to the ticket office. You can use it without purchasing a ticket to the fortress.
When is Othello Fortress open?
During summer, the fortress is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and in winter from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
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