St. Nikolas Church

Positioned in the south east corner of Famagusta, this is one of three remaining Byzantine churches in the area.

St. Nikolas is a small double aisled church that history has taken its toll on somewhat. However, parts of the edifice still remain and are visible to its visitors.

The structure had two domes, noticeable at the top of the piers. Below the window of the dome, a visible groove indicates an item was lowered from this point, perhaps a chandelier or even the church bell.

Spot the three small holes in the wall creating a triangular formation. Behind them reveal hollow spaces made of clay pots that have been built in – a technique that lightened the static load of the build and made it structurally more reliable.

At the same time, these pots were thought to create a better general acoustic, providing the church a more heavenly aura. Try chanting a gospel verse nearby and listen to the sound it creates!