Plizio Visual Lab

Othello Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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Othello Castle, originally constructed as a citadel by the Lusignans in the 14th century to protect Famagusta's harbour, is a significant example of medieval military architecture in Cyprus. The fortress acquired its popular name during the Venetian period in the 15th century, when it was extensively remodeled and strengthened to withstand artillery fire. The name is derived from William Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello,' which is set in a Cypriot seaport; tradition holds that this castle served as the model for the play's setting. Above the main entrance, the relief of the Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of the Venetian Republic, remains visible today, commemorating the 1492 renovations led by Nicolo Foscari. The castle features a rectangular layout with four circular corner towers and contains a spacious courtyard and a high-vaulted Gothic hall. Following major restoration efforts completed in 2015, the site is open to visitors, showcasing the strategic importance of Famagusta in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Location: Cyprus
Top sights: Church of St. George of the Latins · Othello's Tower · Namik Kemal Prison and Museum Dungeon
Nearby: Paralimni (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	14	16	19	23	27	30	30	28	24	20	16
Rain mm	72	42	23	13	9	2	1	1	6	15	30	71

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Othello Castle can be visited and is a main attraction in Famagusta. The courtyard and ramparts are accessible, with entry typically costing a small fee.

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Typical hours

Opening hours follow typical museum times in Cyprus: usually 9 AM to 5 PM, shorter in low season. It is best to check current times on site.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the castle, with the views from the walls being particularly photogenic. Inside rooms, avoid flash to preserve the old stonework.

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Time needed

A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you spend time on the walls. History enthusiasts might take longer to study the details.

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Combine with

The castle is located in Famagusta's old town, which itself gives many sights like the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. A walk along the Venetian walls is also recommended.

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Getting there

Famagusta's old town is walkable, with the castle centrally located. Parking nearby is possible by car, but the narrow streets are partly pedestrianized.

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Insider tip

Visit the castle in the late afternoon when the light is softer and temperatures are more pleasant. Combine the visit with a break at one of the old town's cafés.

Geography

Coordinates

35.12640, 33.94220

Facts

The original citadel was built in 1310 by the Lusignan dynasty.
Nicolo Foscari directed the Venetian reconstruction of the fortress in 1492.
The Lion of Saint Mark relief bears the inscription 'Nicolo Foscari Capitano'.
The castle was once surrounded by a deep moat cut directly into the rock.
The Gothic 'Great Hall' was used by the Lusignans for their formal assemblies.
Shakespeare likely based the setting on the real-life governor Cristoforo Moro.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Famagusta<1 km · WExplore →

Varosha (Ghost Town)2 km · NWExplore →

Agios Andronikos Church4 km · SEExplore →

Ruins of Salamis7 km · SEExplore →

Ruins of Engomi8 km · SEExplore →

Paralimni Lake8 km · NWExplore →

Red Soil Potato Fields (Kokkinochoria)11 km · SWExplore →

Agia Triada Fishing Shelter12 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Othello Castle (10)

Church of St. George of the Latins

Church ruins in Famagusta, Cyprus, remains of a Gothic Crusader-era building.

Othello's Tower

Castle in Famagusta, Cyprus, known as the setting for Shakespeare's Othello.

Namik Kemal Prison and Museum Dungeon

Archaeological site in Famagusta, former prison and museum.

Church of St. George of the Greeks⛪ church

Church building in Famagusta, Cyprus, a medieval Orthodox church.

disused: Sinemas

Former cinema in Famagusta, now a disused theatre building.

Ganchvor Sourp Asdvadzadzin⛪ church

Armenian monastery in Cyprus, located in Famagusta, a religious site.

Canbulat Müzesi🏛 museum

Museum in Famagusta, dedicated to the history of the Ottoman conquest.

Ravelin🏰 castle

Fortification in Famagusta, part of the Venetian city walls.

Kutup Osman Türbesi

Monument in Famagusta, tomb of an Ottoman figure.

Tıp med ecza deposu

Monument in Famagusta, historic building, former medical and pharmacy depot.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Othello Tower?

It is believed that Shakespeare chose this tower as the setting for his drama 'Othello'.

Where is the fortress located?

It is located in the harbor of the old city of Famagusta in Northern Cyprus.

Can you climb onto the walls?

Yes, visitors can walk along the fortifications and enjoy the harbor view.

What can be seen above the entrance?

The Lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of the Republic of Venice, is carved there.

Is the site renovated?

The site was extensively restored and secured a few years ago.

Othello Castle: where is it located?

Othello Castle is located in Cyprus.

Othello Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include Church of St. George of the Latins, Othello's Tower, Namik Kemal Prison and Museum Dungeon.

Othello Castle: when is the best time to visit?