Othello Castle

A moated citadel in the corner of Famagusta's walled old town, built by the Lusignan kings in the 14th century and rebuilt by the Venetians once cannon changed the rules of siege. Its nickname comes from a single stage direction in Shakespeare's Othello — 'a seaport in Cyprus' — and Venice's winged-lion crest still sits carved above the gate. Inside are cavernous vaulted halls and a grassy courtyard; up on the ramparts you get the best overview of the honey-coloured old city and its huge encircling walls. It's atmospheric rather than polished, which is exactly right for Famagusta.