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Maybe if there was a overview of the history of this place would be nice to read whilst there. Lovely interior. Open and didn’t cost to access this.

Avoid prayer times! Men need long trousers not shorts! Ladies cover their heads. Beautiful architecture!

One of the loveliest mosques i visited in Famagusta. The stained glass windows are gorgeous and the old rustic cathedral which is now a mosque is something else.

It's strange to see a catholic church turned in to a mosque. That alone makes it worth a visit. It's an impressive building and free to enter as well.

It’s an amazing building from the outside and it’s walls have seen so much history.Inside it is a typical mosque- carpet on the floor (so wash your feet and remove your shoes), white walls, ladies to be modestly dressed and use a headscarf provided at the entry and it’s closed to visitors at prayer time.But if waiting for prayers to finish sit under the shade of a 700 year old fig tree and watch the peoplePlenty of cafes close by

The sites within Famagusta can all be visited within a short space of time, and the Lala Mustapha Mosque is the highlight. A converted church, the interiors look very similar to other converted churches by the Ottomans. Very impressive architecture inside and out, so do take time to walk all the way around the site to see the architecture.

It was so sad to go to the magnificent church that had been converted into a mosque. The altar and Christian symbols were removed. In the direction of Meka, there bend now

This is a beautiful. Originally the Cathedral of St Nicholas, now a mosque. It is well maintained and full of history. Don’t miss.

Amazing fig/fruit tree, vvery old and right beside yhis fine old mosque in centre of town. Open area with plenty of bars and cafes, plus shops

Most of the major churches have been converted to mosques.This one is well worth the visit, it is beautifully set in the main square and surrounded by many ruins that are also worth a look

Originally built as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, this 14th century building is the largest medieval building in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus. It was converted into a mosque in 1571 when Famagusta was captured by the Ottoman Empire and more recently (1954) was renamed the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. To complete the conversion all evidence of christian worship were removed/destroyed and a minaret was installed on top of one of the two towers, both of which were damaged by an earthquake. Notwithstanding it is still a magnificent building, a good example of Gothic design, well worth seeing if you are in Famagusta.

The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque really is stunning!If in Cyprus, in particular this area you must visit. A great piece of history!This beautiful building is set in a lovely area.It was nice to see tourists from a over the world visit it.

Very sad to see a formerly beautiful cathedral disfigured by a minarett. Very disrespectful. I wonder what would happen if somebody had the idea to put a cross on the big and very active mosque in Lanarka.

Old St.Nicholas Cathedral , now known as Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Very beautiful architecture. Inside the building there are old paintings of Virgin Marry and child, Detailed history of Christianity.

This orthodox cathedral is a unique structre. Very well preserved. It was converted to a mosque by the Ottomans. In my opinion should be kept in its original form. There is a century old tree at the entrance, the garden area is very relaxing. Just a beautiful place and a monument.

Islamic leaders turned the cathedral of St Nicholas in Famagusta into a mosque10 years before Drake fought the Spanish Armada.Yet it still looks like a cathedral.Most of it is roped off for the daily ritual of prayers by the Muslim faithful, but when the services are not on you can wander the a small part of the inside of the church.That's when you notice the glass in the windows is either clear or coloured poatterns that replace the more customary Christian stained glass.It's worth visiting, but remember to take off your shoes before entering.

Not much to say but a wonder on its own. Worth a visit during a trip to Famagusta, just don’t forget to take your footwear off as a sign of respect.

Amazing building with great structure. It’s got lots of cafes and souvenir shops around it and also some great history to the Turkish Canons and the Turkish poet which was punished and sent to a caged bed room close by.

To visit the Mosque you have to visit when the call to Prayers have finished. If Prayers are taking place there are plenty of bars and shops to occupy you until you can visit inside the Mosque

Very impressive and live building.. well preserved... still serving for praying.. strongly recommended..

By no means alone in the Middle East as a mosque which began life as a church (think Haghia Sofia in Istanbul or Umayyad in Damascus), Lala Mustafa Pasha still greets you first and most strongly as what it once was, a French gothic cathedral of majestic proportions and great architectural simplicity. Honey coloured sandstone pillars, plain white walls and a dramatic, very tall fan vaulted roof, it is all the better for being cleared of the furnishings - 'clutter', even, notably (to a Christian eye) excepting the missing altar - which must once have adorned it. Outside, even the single minaret takes its unassuming place atop the south west tower. More than all this, this place appears to coexist happily in a city also well populated with other faiths. Much to be celebrated here in this understated north Cyprus city.

Was such a shame to see such a beautiful church disfigured by the Turkish invasion. Not a particularly interesting visit.

This is a big Mosque in the walled city of Famagusta. Worth a trip inside (shoes off) to have a look at the stained glass windows (from the days when it was originally built as a cathedral) and to appreciate the architecture.

It is a large Mosque that used to be a church that can be seen by the different architecture used. Inside is an education into there religion

I did not find this mosque particularly inspiring. The decor was exceedingly plain and there was a very small area for women worshippers.

It is not common that you will find a Christian Church is now used as a Muslim Mosque The Mosque itself is historic and ancient and it is definitely worth to went inside to see the architecture.

Mosque of Mağusa, is the largest medieval building in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus. Built between 1298 and c. 1400, it was consecrated as a Roman Catholic cathedral in 1328. The cathedral was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman Empire captured Famagusta in 1571.It is an impressive structure that dominates its square in the very heart of the old walled city. The contrast between the Mosque and the Gothic architecture is striking. The stone work is also impressive, particularly at sunset when the different colours are highlighted.

It is not often you will find a Christian Cathedral that shares with a Muslim Mosque and vice versa, but that is exactly what the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque does, such a shame that integration, understanding and religious tolerance cannot be more widespread.The building itself is ancient and historic and well worth a visit inside to see the artefacts as well as the modern day trappings of the dual services held there

An impressive cathedral with its ornately decorated spires. Now of course a mosque but there's no denying its heritage inside where instead of the large open room of a normal mosque you see the many wide supporting pillars traditional of cathedrals built around the fourteenth century.This building, along with the ruins of the Venetian Palace, St Francis ruins, St George of the Greeks church and others, all within a few hundred metres of each other, make up the very interesting old centre of Famagusta.

This beautiful cathedral has now been converted into a mosque but with a bit of imagination you can still see what it's original purpose was. It looks odd because you know there should be stained windows, crosses atop the towers and the minarets are where the naves should be. The frescoes inside have obviously been whitewashed. When I went inside I could hear singing which so reminded me of being inside a Greek Orthodox Church. It was free to enter and well worth the visit.

The building captures nicely the history of the religious struggles in the region. A fabulous Cathedral now converted to a mosque. It is by no means unique in this respect but this is the most ornate and detailed original structure we have seen. The Christian detail is fantastic but now cheekily topped by a minaret! Inside again it is clear what the original religion was but has now been converted to clean Islamic lines. Great! Car parking just outside.

This gothic church from Venetian time period. The church is no turned in to a mosque. Nice and clean inside. But all the church 'stuffs' was gone and nothing mutch to see inside.

The original cathedral of st.nicholas has an absolutely astonishing facade. Stanfing in frontof the venetian palace and close to an ottoman medrese and hammam, this is the heart of old famagusta.

I like to visit Churches and religious buildings whenever away and always find them peaceful and interesting. This Church has been converted to a Mosque from the original church since the Turkish inhabitation within Famagusta. Exterior decoration is exceptional and the size of this church is extraordinary. The interior is now very basic but still has the historic layout and feels of a grand building. you have to remove shoes at the door to enter but entrance is welcome for all. On the day I was there the Mosque leader was giving out Turkish Delights and talking with all visitors and was very friendly.

A cathedral changed to a mosque. With the classic gothic style from outside and inside... worth the visit.

Large open space. Shoes removed at door. Ladies spoken to sharply by boy aged about 10 who said please and pointed at long skirts and headwear. More interested in his computer game. Nothing to see inside. Outside nice, looks like Notre Dame

A beautiful building dating back to its origins in 1298. Plenty of evidence of the original cathedral architecture. It's a very peaceful place. We arrived late in the morning before prayer and we're welcomed to visit the mosque. I was provided with a scarf to cover my shoulders, we left our shoes at the door. Such a lovely place, calm and tranquil. I wish we had more time there and had been able to see people come to prayer. This is a must see in my opinion. There is a tree outside the mosque that dates back to 1299... Wow

An amazing old chapel magically beautiful it's now a mosque but you still can go inside and look at plus in the garden is an old fig tree and upper is an square of ceremonies of centuries ago like 18 or less, nice coffeehouse and restaurant a bank ATM and souvenir shop, down a bit a confectionery shop tasty must try !!! Down farther is a gate port which has high stairs and from there you can see all castle and all around 😁👌🏻👍🙏🏼

It looks like a castle. Its amazing. The transformation from a church to a masjid is very obvious and unique. Its very historic and the interior design is very simply amazing. During praying times people are allowed to pray inside.

This beautiful church was converted to Mosque to meet the demands of its people. The inside is cool and bright.The usual observances must be adhered to when entering the Mosque

The Turks are very touchy about you taking photos of this monument to human stupidity and nationalist intransigence, but tread carefully and can see something that is unique.

A lovely old cathedral now a mosque. Had to wait for prayers to end before entering. Shoes off of course. Inside is stripped bare except for the large carpet. Felt it a little sad that it was devoid of furniture but appreciate the reason why. Has a women can see but not be seen area. Worth popping in.

Pros:-Entry by donation-Friendly staff-Cameras allowed-Well-preserved interiorCons:-NoneNotes:-Remove footwear before entering.-There are several cafes within close proximity. I recommend Ruya's Cafe (next to the mosque, last arch) for reasonably priced food and drink.

This is a huge gothic cathedral/mosque and it dominates the skyline of old Famagusta. Inside it is bright and light and plain but with nice windows. Outside it has classic gothic architectural decoration and features. The square in which it is located accesses old structural remains and there are some reasonable cafes too. Definitely worth a visit.

When you go to North Cyprus you must go and sea Famagusta we really love this small city everywhere you go you smell the history little street lots of old amazing houses strongly recommended

The mosque is an amazing building and is a most see when in Famagusta. You can go inside as well and get a feel of the culture.

Splendid building, plenty of photo opportunities, we did not go inside but gazed at it for a considerable length of time from the outside, lots of patterns and structures to find. A turkish street band was playing opposite, with turkish bagpipes, which gave the area a really nice bohemian feel. Enjoyed the visit. Would recommend a viewing if you are in that area.

If you like history and old buildings this is a must.You have to take your shoes off when entering and put on flip flop that are supplied, this put me off due to hygiene.

The architecture was hardly changed. Visitors were welcomed. It was nice to see people coming in to pray after they'd missed the noon call to prayer

Once known as St Nicolas' cathedral, the La La Mustafa Pasha mosque impresses for the simplicity of its prayerful interior, reoriented from its original east west axis, towards Mecca, so the huge prayer mat dominates. Much of the former Christian iconography, stained glass windows, and other trappings were removed to satisfy Islamic traditions, although the glorious Gothic architecture is still much in evidence. An illustrated Koran donated by President Erdogan is displayed.

Visited Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque while visiting Famagusta.What started out as a Gothic church has now become a mosque and it's interesting to see how the building has been adapted.Like almost all mosques it is carpeted throughout and visitors must remove shoes before entering.You also need to be appropriately dressed too, no shorts or sleeveless tops and women need to cover their heads, or hair, but there is head scarves for visitors to use at the entrance.It is an amazing old building and there is a tree outside that is almost as old as the church itself apparently.Well worth a visit if you like architecture and history.Entrance is free.

Amazing place to view and to understand the contrast in this amazing building. From once being a gothic church it is now a Mosque and the change from the exterior to interior shows the contrast. Well worth a visit

Wonderful architecture and worth a photograph or two but you have to walk past a number of gift shops and restaurants to get there which is a bit of a tourist trap!Cash point near to the church/mosque and it's free entry to get inside

Gorgeous architecture Worth going insideBeautifully keptHave to take off shoes once insideThey have head scarves but no one asked me to coverBathrooms outside were really clean which usually is a great sign for how much care they takeAll for free

Set in the heart of old Famagusta, this cathedral towers over the old town. Dating back 700 years to the time of the Lionheart, it is simply a masterpiece

The outside continues to look like a Christian Cathedral (apart from the minaret) but the quiet simplicity of the mosque was quite surprising. This is shaped by the carpeting of the whole area where tourists are prevented from going

It is quite weird to be in a Christian church which has been a mosque for some 500 years. Of course, the Ottomans did this to many churches in the lands they conquered, and ruled with a sometimes benign, sometimes not so benign rule.

Firstly as a female concern was of of covering up, this is not necessary but scarfs are available if you wish. Obs removal of shoes is necesssary. Architecture is lovely inside and out. Had a tour guide, which helped with understanding some of the more intricate history and facts.

In the UK, we're used to churches getting a second use (bars, restaurants, accommodation etc), but seldom to be used for a different religion! To hear the call to prayer coming from what looks like a church is simply odd and quite frankly a little overwhelming given the difficulties Islam is having at the moment. Don't forget to take your shoes off and have a look inside at how sparcely decorated it is.

Former St Nicholas cathedral reminds us on time when french family of Lusignians ruled over the island. Of course, they brought their own architectural style of french gothic. Very interesting place to understand history layers of Cyprus! View on a church is very impressive especially from the city walls. Highly reccomend!

One of the important place to visit in Famagusta/Cyprus. If you are in North Cyprus we recommend you to visit Lala Mustapha Pasha Mosque

If you are interested in the cultural side of the Island, you may shop in the locall Town centre, walking through stone pavedStreets where there are old cypriot archetectrial buildings, mosques, museum. You will find that the town is closed off with a castle wall with arches of entrants to town and exits out to the new built areas. I believe Famagusta is very similar to Canterbury UK, where the town in Canterbury is also closed off by a wall.

This was originally a Christian Cathedral . When partition came in 1974, it was turned into a Mosque.

Me and my husband visited as part of an organised tour. The Mosque looks very impressive from afar and also when standing outside.I was pleased to be able to visit, entry is free but ladies have to have shoulders and knees covered. Shawls are provided. Shoes also have to be removed.The mosque is very open inside, pews removed and it's very light / white inside.

This stunning Gothic cathedral turned into a mosque in the 16th century dominates over the old town of Famagusta. It is so impressive you see it from everywhere. A definite gem of Cyprus.

Converted to a Mosque from the Christian church of St Nicholas. In front is the oldest tree in Cyprus, reputed to be 750 years old.

Wander down memory lane as we have been to the area before. Beautiful building, a cathedral now turned int a mosque. The main stained glass window remains but the rest sadly is now in a sad state.. call to prayers echoes around the square where bells were once heard

The beautiful ornate gothic style of architecture from outside is betrayed by a very basic, carpeted interior.The Mosque is free to visit and you must remove any shoes before entering. Shorts and shirts were permissable.We were in and out within 5 minutes. Not a huge amount to see unless you are a worshipper. My advise to to wander around the Venetian ruins opposite. Much more interesting.

Gorgeous gothic Cathedral was converted to a mosque. You can see how now 2 religious meet each other.Also very old tree 700 years beside the mosgue.No entry fee .

Take some time to wander away from the beach and into the old city. The architecture is incredibly beautiful, you are instantly in another world. Romantic, dreamy, phenomenal craftsmanship. Certainly recommended

its in the old town, and one of the things you should visit if you are in town. its not so big mosque. i didn't find anything so special about it.

Beautiful building that has stood the time despite earthquakes and bombings. Standing proud with wonderful stonemason windows.

A must see mosque with a sense of tranquility and beauty in famagusta we loved it we loved the architecture and the peaceful area there and most of all we loved the sound of the athan (calling for praying by the mosque ) while visiting it was great

One of the highlights of the old town of Famagusta. Wonder around inside. All are welcome. Soak up the atmosphere.

The one you must see in Magusa which is located in the old town and was built during the French Lusignan dynasty and its just like little Rheims and now converted to a mosque.the main fasade in west side is quite impressive with three large conopied doorways with excellent carvings on the stone and a big rose window.it's surrounding area is a nice urban space with plenty shops and cosy caffes and the oldest living creature in the island is a big old tree in it's courtyard.

This was a church, converted to a mosque... That's probably the only interesting thing about this place and that's not even that interesting...I wouldn't say there was anything spectacular about this place to be honest. It simply looks like a a church you can see in the UK any day of the week, only it's been converted and it's a little bit historic.

Went on an organised tour to Famagusta and left lane to visit this place.A very big old church that was converted to a mosque a long time ago.Remember you have to take your shoes off to go inside. There are plenty of shoe racks inside by the way.Situated in a square surrounded by history.Plenty of places to eat and drink around the area as well.

The amgnificent monument in the old town, a former cathedral of Saint Sophia turned into a mosque. The architecture of the gothic cathedral is totally preserved, with a minaret added.

This is really the highlight of old Famagusta. Architecture is beautiful and really reflects how Cyprus changed over the years, as this was once a church, but has been an active mosque for longer than it was an established church.

Massive, impressive Gothic cathedral that's been a mosque since the 1500s.Donation requested for entry. Very plain inside, helpful guide showed us the highlights.

This Gothic cathedral to St Nicholas is now an active mosque. Take your shoes off as you enter. Women should always wear a scarf in a mosque, though I saw no source of them, and a busload of tourists was leaving while we were there, with no scarfs being worn? Majestic and impressive on the outside.

A well-preserved Gothic cathedral to St Nicholas, now a mosque. Freely accessible outside prayer times, but remember the shoes & scarf thing. Toilets around left side 2TL. Very tranquil and spiritual.

the atmosphere was really excellent... i was happy for shopping small things around the mosque..i wanted to pray there but i could not..

If you are in Famagusta this is on the list of places to visit. Some nice little shops just around the corner.

I was so pleasantly surprised to see the mosque. The cathedral itself is so impressive, and the minaret on the left corner is a nice touch (which is a must for a mosque). Having visited so many churches all over the world, it was a bit confusing to grasp the inners of the building. Area around the mosque is also filled with historical places to visit in walking distance.

Beautiful and disturbing - Famagusta's magnificent French Gothic cathedral converted into a mosque after the Turkish conquest of 1571. Beautiful because the familiar (to western Europeans) architecture is a masterpiece of its kind. Disturbing because it is a whitewashed, no shoes, carpeted mosque with prayer mihrab and separate areas for the women.

Beautiful cathedral (now working mosque, so no internal decoration) and part of a lovely stroll around Famagusta where around every corner there's a new mediveal church (29 mediveal churches in 1.5 in radius!!). This one is the biggest and most imposing, and located on a lovely square where you can have a sit in an improvised open air cafe and try some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice - it's delicious!).

Outside of building very attractive but inside very basic. You have to take shoes off before entering, they like a gratuity when leaving but not compulsory. Nothing more to say.

This was built as St Nicholas Cathedral but converted to a mosque when the Ottomans invaded the island. Beautiful Gothic architecture inside and out. Now a place of worship for Moslems. No entrance fee but donations welcome. Informative collector of donations! Well worth a visit.

Once a cathedral, now a mosque. One of those places that you can't help but admire the level of intricacy of architecture. More beautiful outside than inside.

Looked like a cathedral and walked into a mosque. If I had done my homework I would have known. Not a lot to look at as obviously all the original Christian idols etc had been removed. But still interesting and made to feel welcome.

In parallel with the Cathedral of St. George, a few dozen meters away, there is St. Nicholas Cathedral, dedicated in 1328 as a Catholic cathedral. It was built in the Rayonnant Gothic style. Very unusual outside France, it testifies to the historical relationship between the two countries. After the Ottoman occupation in 1571 was converted into a mosque and all statues, stained glass windows and frescoes are due to contradiction with the postulates of Islam removed and a minaret was annexed. Although mosque originally wore a different name, in 1954 it was renamed to Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Due to inappropriate clothing I did not go inside, but I stuck to the door and it was really strange to see this somewhat clumsy combination of Islam and Christianity.

The church has been converted into a mosque so all of the Christian decorations have gone, however it is still impressive. Unfortunately one of our party was in a wheelchair and they were simply not allowed to enter - very poor in this era.

The first stop in our sightseeing of the Famagusta Town was the splendid St.Nicholas cathedral. It is located not so far from the harbour medieval walls of Famagusta.This cathedral is the largest medieval building in this city in Northern Cyprus. We walked from the place where our bus has been parked and before long got to the one medium square with wooden benches under the very old and massive sycamore trees. This square was for us, a genuine shelter from the scorching sun that we've had that day. We rested for awhile, took some water and prepared for entering in the cathedral,now turned into a mosque. It has been built between 1298 and 1400 and consecrated as a Catholic cathedral in 1328. Looking from outside, it has three big arches on the frontal facade, above the also three large doors.One central and two at the flancs. The facade is wonderfully decorated with different shapes in the stone, the flowers, the coat of arms, the shields and others forms, which just adorn the whole edifice. Due to its conversion into the mosque since the conquering of Famagusta by Ottoman Empire in 1571 and its remaining as a mosque to nowadays, it is supposed to take off the shoes at the entrance and for women to put some appropriate clothes on, that is distributed by the service staff of this now muslim sacred building. Inside as we got in, we saw the characteristic structure of the gothic architecture with many arches that descend from the ceiling of the dome, the huge columns that support all this, the central nave, the vitrages. The nave this time doesn't have the benches for sitting, only one large and long carpet as it is in muslim world. We passed along the mosque observing certain elements of islamic decoration. Outside on one flanc of the cathedral can be seen the high minaret as the part of the mosque. In the whole, very impressive and beautiful example of the gothic archirecture brought here by the French Lusignan dinasty.

An interesting place, well preserved though converted to the mosque from the church. One secret is a hole in the ceiling just behind the entrance. It looks as an ordinary ring when one stands straight underneath, but converts to a heart shape when you pass several meters and look back. The second attraction is a stained-glass window near the entrance which has a big star and twelve smaller stars to memorize Jesus and the twelve apostles. It is one of the oldest churches on the island. It looks good outside and inside.

Not really a beautiful mosque. Strange that they let women enter without covering shoulders/hair. Screaming, playing children running around - neither parents nor staff seems to mind.

It was very interesting to visit this site and learn about its history. We had never visited a mosque before and were grateful that we were allowed to do so. It is nice to see how the different architectural and cultural styles get blended.Well worth the visit!

Such a beautiful structure in the middle of Namik Kemal Square in the walledCity. It's worth going in to have a look and take in the atmosphere. There are alsosome lovely Turkish carpets everywhere.

Cathedral or mosque,it doesn't make a difference, it's a beautiful place and you can feel the serenity and magnificence of this old monument.There's an old fig tree outside.you can sit under the shadow and hear the stories locals say about it.

Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St Nicholas Cathedral) The former Latin cathedral of St Nicholas, is one of the most impressive Frankish buildings still to survive in the Near East. The building of the church started around 1300, though it is thought to be on the remains of an earlier church. In style it resembles the Cathedral at RheimsIt is now a mosque. If you donate a few euro or lira you will get a small tour by the Mosque keeping servants.