Famagusta

St Francis Church

  Namık Kemal Sk     more than a year ago
Just visible if you take a gander due west from Namik Kemal Square (to the right of those Venetian archways), are the last remnants of what was once the St Francis Church, which itself was only one small part of a much larger Franciscan monastery complex. The Franciscans arrived on the island sometime in the mid-13th century, not so long after the order's founding in 1209, and it's believed that funding for both the church and the monastery was provided by the reigning King of Cyprus at the time, Henry II, who was known to have good relations with the Franscians (or so we've been told).

And speaking of things we've been told, history buffs and trivia aficionados might also be interested to know that our dear Henry II was also the last crowned King of Jerusalem, as this title ceased to be an official thing after the Siege of Acre in 1291. Meanwhile, back in 21st century Famagusta, the present day remains of the St Francis Church not only contains all of this fascinating history, but also a find little cafe bar, called the Hammam Inn, in reference to the Turkish baths that once made use of the church's ruins, beginning in the early 17th century.

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