Inside the Walled City: Discover the Living Heritage and Vibrant Civil Society Scene.

Step through the ancient gates of Famagusta's walled city and you enter one of the Eastern Mediterranean's most layered historic landscapes. The Suriçi (literally 'within the walls') district is home to landmarks spanning Lusignan, Venetian, Ottoman, and Byzantine periods — all within walking distance of each other.

Famagusta is home to a vibrant civil society scene. Mağusa Suriçi Derneği (MASDER) is among the most influential organizations in the city focusing on preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the old city. Among the highlights catalogued by the MASDER is the Venetian Palace, located on Namık Kemal Square. Originally built in the early 13th century and associated with the Lusignan dynasty under King Henry II, the palace was later renovated by Venetian administrators and renamed the Palazzo del Provveditore. Its eastern facade features three Venetian-style arches, with granite columns reportedly brought from the ancient city of Salamis. In the courtyard, you can still see cannonballs from the Ottoman siege, and a Roman-era Venus Sarcophagus near the entrance.

MASDER's heritage database documents dozens of sites across the walled city — from the Nestorian Church and the underground St. Photeinos Church, to the Byzantine-era Tabakhane Mosque and the Venetian Land Gate (Kale Kapısı) with its ravelin. The association's mission is to preserve these sites and promote sustainable tourism, cultural awareness, and environmental stewardship for future generations.

MASDER organises regular Cultural Heritage Awareness Tours and community talks called Mağusa Söyleşileri (Famagusta Conversations), alongside coastal clean-up events. You can look for an opportunity to talk to one of members of the association at their office behind the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque. Feel free to donate as well. Every little thing helps.

 Whether you're a first-time visitor or a repeat explorer, the walled city always has another whisper to share. Exploring the local civil society scene will give you another perspective of the life in Famagusta.