Othello Tower

The fort of Othello Tower was built by the Lusignans during the 14th century as a protection for the harbour and was used as one of the main entrances to Famagusta. At the end of the 15th century Cyprus was conquered by the merchant city of Venice, since she needed an outpost at the East Mediterranean for her shipping and trading on the Levant. The Venetians rebuilt Othello Tower in 1492. The new rulers placed their insignia, a lion of St. Marcus in relief — the symbol of the city of Venice — above the entrance to the fort. The name Nicolo Foscarini and the year of 1492 are inscribed below the lion. Foscarini was the captain who was in charge of the rebuilding of the fort.