The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, originally the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, is the largest and most magnificent medieval building in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus. It stands as a breathtaking masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, a testament to the wealth and power of the Lusignan Kingdom that ruled Cyprus in the Middle Ages. Built between 1298 and 1328, it served as the coronation church for the Lusignan monarchs as the titular Kings of Jerusalem. After the Ottoman conquest in 1571, the grand cathedral was converted into the city’s main mosque. Today, it is a stunning and unique monument where the soaring arches of a Gothic cathedral house the serene space of an active mosque.

Name and Address

• Name: Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Formerly the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas.
• Address: Located in Namık Kemal Square, within the ancient walled city of Famagusta, Northern Cyprus.

How to Get There

The mosque is the central landmark of the old walled city of Famagusta and is very easy to find.

• By Foot (Recommended): The best way to experience the mosque is by exploring the historic walled city on foot. It is located in the main square, a short walk from any of the city gates.
• By Car/Taxi: Taxis can take you to the entrances of the walled city. Parking is available outside the walls, from which it is a short walk to the mosque.
• Visitor Tip: As it is an active mosque, visitors should dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees. Women will be asked to cover their heads; scarves are usually available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering the carpeted prayer hall. It is best to avoid visiting during prayer times.

Landscape and Architecture

The architecture is a spectacular example of Rayonnant Gothic style, set within the historic landscape of a fortified medieval city.

• Gothic Cathedral Architecture: The building is a masterpiece of Gothic design, with its style so closely resembling the great cathedrals of France that it has been dubbed “The Reims of Cyprus.” The stunning west facade features three grand portals with intricate stone carvings and a large, beautiful six-light window with elaborate tracery.
• Interior: Inside, the Lusignan cathedral’s soaring, vaulted ceilings and two rows of massive columns create a vast and light-filled nave. The space is now open and carpeted for Muslim prayer. While all Christian iconography, frescoes, and stained glass were removed or plastered over by the Ottomans, the pure Gothic structure remains remarkably intact.
• Ottoman Modifications: The most obvious Ottoman addition is the single minaret that was added to the top of the northern tower after the cathedral’s conversion into a mosque. The twin towers of the original cathedral were damaged during the Ottoman siege and were never fully repaired.
• The Ancient Fig Tree: In front of the mosque stands a magnificent and ancient sycamore fig tree (Ficus sycomorus). It is believed to have been planted around the same time the cathedral’s construction began, making it over 700 years old.

What Makes It Famous

The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque is famous for being a sublime piece of French Gothic architecture in the Levant and for its unique history as a coronation cathedral turned mosque.

• A Masterpiece of Gothic Architecture: It is renowned as one of the most beautiful and impressive examples of Gothic architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean, a direct link to the Crusader-era Kingdom of Cyprus.
• Coronation Church of the Kings of Jerusalem: The cathedral held immense importance during the Lusignan period. After being crowned Kings of Cyprus in Nicosia, the Lusignan monarchs would travel to Famagusta to be crowned in this cathedral as the titular (symbolic) Kings of Jerusalem.
• A Symbol of Famagusta’s Golden Age: The sheer scale and beauty of the structure are a testament to the immense wealth and power of Famagusta, which was one of the richest trading ports in the world during the 14th century.
• A Story of Conversion: Its history as a grand cathedral that was converted into a mosque makes it a powerful symbol of the island’s layered and often turbulent history of conquest and cultural change.

Differences from Other Wonders

The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other castles and religious sites in Cyprus.

• A Gothic Cathedral vs. a Military Fortress: Unlike the purely military fortresses of Kyrenia Castle or Kolossi Castle, this building was designed as a grand place of worship. Its architecture is about soaring beauty and light, not about defense and fortification.
• French Gothic vs. Byzantine Style: Its architectural style is pure French Gothic, a legacy of the Lusignan rulers. This is completely different from the Byzantine style of churches like the Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca or the monasteries of the Troodos Mountains.
• A Converted Cathedral vs. a Purpose-Built Mosque: Unlike purpose-built mosques, its interior is a fascinating blend of two faiths. The vast, high-vaulted space of a Christian cathedral now serves as a Muslim prayer hall, creating a unique and powerful spiritual atmosphere.
• Urban Centerpiece vs. Coastal Fort: Located in the main square of a historic city, it serves as the civic and spiritual heart of Famagusta. This is different from a coastal fort like Paphos Castle, whose identity is tied to guarding a harbour.