Recently Opened Sights of Northern Cyprus: What to See in Famagusta in 2026

If you are interested in recently opened sites for visiting in Northern Cyprus, we are primarily talking about three locations in Famagusta: the Martinengo Bastion, the Armenian Church of Ganchvor, and the Carmelite Church. All of them are located next to each other in the northwestern part of the Old City, making them convenient to see in a single visit. A short route usually takes from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, and it is most convenient to combine it with a walk through the Old City of Famagusta.

These sites are interesting not only as individual monuments but also as a unified historical cluster: here you can clearly see how Venetian fortifications and medieval Christian buildings coexist in one small area of the city.

• What exactly is open to the public
• Quick summary table
• Martinengo Bastion
• Armenian Church of Ganchvor
• Carmelite Church
• How to plan your route
• Useful services for your trip
• Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is open to the public

In this part of Famagusta, there are three points of interest located nearby: Martinengo Bastion, the Armenian Church of Ganchvor, and the Carmelite Church. Previously, this area was less accessible for a typical tourist route, but now it is more convenient to include it in a standard walk through the Old City.

If you are visiting Famagusta for the first time, it is useful to first check the general guide to Famagusta, and then add this cluster to the main route along with Othello Castle, the fortress walls, and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque.

Quick summary table

Martinengo Bastion

Martinengo Bastion is the most prominent point on this route. It is part of Famagusta's fortification system, one of the key elements of the city's Venetian defense and one of the most interesting examples of Renaissance fortification in Northern Cyprus. Its characteristic shape, massive walls, and location in the northwestern part of the Old City make this location especially convenient for those who want to understand how the defense of Famagusta was organized.

In practice, it is most convenient to start the tour of the entire cluster precisely from the bastion. You should allocate 20–30 minutes here, and the visit can be continued to the neighboring churches without long walks. If you need a separate detailed article, it is available here: Martinengo Bastion in Famagusta.

Armenian Church of Ganchvor

The Armenian Church of Ganchvor is located next to the bastion and is perceived as one of the most unusual Christian buildings in this part of Famagusta. It is usually highlighted for its Armenian architectural tradition, which is rare for the city, and because it perfectly complements the tour of the fortifications: in a small section of the route, you see different cultural layers of the Old City at once.

Usually, 10–20 minutes is enough for the visit. This stop is best viewed as part of a general route rather than as a separate trip.

Carmelite Church

The Carmelite Church, or the Church of St. Mary of Carmel, is located next to Ganchvor. It is not as well-preserved as the neighboring Armenian church, but that is precisely why it clearly shows the difference in the condition and type of medieval religious buildings in Famagusta. If you are interested not only in a city walk but also in architectural details, you should not skip this point.

The visit usually takes 10–15 minutes. It is most convenient to see the Carmelite Church immediately after Ganchvor without breaking the route.

How to plan your route

The most convenient way is to include these three points in a walk through the Old City of Famagusta. It usually makes little sense to travel specifically for them unless you are specifically studying fortification or church architecture.

How to do it

1. Arrive at the Old City of Famagusta in the morning or the first half of the day.
2. Start the route with Martinengo Bastion.
3. Then proceed to the Armenian Church of Ganchvor.
4. After that, see the Carmelite Church.
5. If time remains, continue the walk to Othello Castle, the fortress walls, and the center of the Old City.

If you want to assemble a more intensive day route, after the Old City, it is convenient to add Varosha or visit the beaches in the Famagusta area.

Useful services for your trip

If you want to see Famagusta, the Old City, and several points outside it in one day, it is convenient to compare car rental options in advance.

If you need a transfer from the airport or from your hotel directly to Famagusta, you can check fixed-route transfers in advance.

A tourist eSIM may also come in handy for travel and city navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are considered recently opened attractions in this article?

We are talking about Martinengo Bastion, the Armenian Church of Ganchvor, and the Carmelite Church in Famagusta.

Where are these sites located?

All three points are located next to each other in the northwestern part of the Old City of Famagusta.

How much time is needed for the visit?

Usually, 40 minutes to 1.5 hours is enough for all three sites together, depending on the pace of the walk.

Is it worth going here separately?

It is usually more convenient to include these locations in a general route through Famagusta rather than traveling just for them.

Which of the three sites is most interesting?

Martinengo Bastion is most often considered the main point of the route, with the two churches viewed as logical additions nearby.

What is best to combine this route with?

The most convenient additions are the Old City of Famagusta, Othello Castle, Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Varosha, and nearby beaches.