Church of Saint George of the Ellinon (Ruins)

This monumental edifice was the Orthodox cathedral of medieval Famagusta, having been built with the aim of rivalling in size and splendour the neighbouring Latin cathedral of Saint Nicholas. Its architecture combines in a unique way the Byzantine tradition with Western Gothic elements, as its large arches and tall buttresses demonstrate. During the Ottoman siege in 1571, the church received fierce cannon fire that caused the collapse of its roof and dome. Today it survives as an imposing ruin within the old town, preserving on its wounded walls a few rare examples of medieval wall paintings.