Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St. Nicholas Cathedral)

A cathedral transformed into a mosque is not uncommon for Northern Cyprus, but this particular building is arguably the most impressive of its kind.

The Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque is an active place of worship, the main mosque in Famagusta, and the largest medieval structure in the city. It is a must-see architectural and cultural landmark in Famagusta, drawing visitors much like the Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia.

• History of the Cathedral-Mosque
• Architectural Features
• Visitor Guidelines
• How to Get There
• Frequently Asked Questions

History of the Cathedral-Mosque

The cathedral was constructed between 1298 and 1312 and was consecrated as a Catholic church in 1328. After Famagusta was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1571, the cathedral was converted into a mosque, a role it retains to this day.

In 1954, the building was named after Lala Mustafa Pasha, a grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire from the Sokolovic family of Bosnia, who served under Murad III and led Ottoman forces against the Venetians in Cyprus.

• Noteworthy Fact: The cathedral appears in several literary works, including *Courage* by Italian author Silvia di Natale, *The Sunrise* by British author Victoria Hislop, and *In Search of Sixpence* by Anglo-Cypriot writer Michael Paraskos.

Architectural Features of Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

The upper sections of the cathedral’s two towers, visible from afar, suffered damage from earthquakes and were severely damaged during Ottoman bombardments in 1571, and they have never been restored. A minaret has since been added to the left tower.

Almost all statues, crucifixes, stained glass, frescoes, and paintings have been removed or plastered over, along with most tombs and the altar. However, the Gothic structure has been preserved, and several tombs can still be found in the northern nave.

• Noteworthy Fact: The fig tree at the mosque’s entrance was planted during the cathedral’s construction, making it over 700 years old.

Visitor Guidelines for Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Since the former St. Nicholas Cathedral is now an active mosque, visitors are required to follow traditional rules for entering Islamic places of worship.

Upon entering, one must remove shoes and adhere to the dress code: shorts and sleeveless tops are prohibited, and women must cover their heads.

Additionally, following Islamic tradition, women cannot enter the main hall but have a designated area on the side of the main entrance.

How to Get to Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

The mosque is located in the center of Famagusta, within the walled old town, and buses do not go directly to the mosque. The nearest public transport stop is at the roundabout by Anit Park, at this point.

• The mosque’s location can be found below the text.

Parking at Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Parking directly by the mosque is not possible, but the best option is to leave your car near the Othello Castle at these coordinates for navigation: 35.127844935153334, 33.941638348614774.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Is there an entrance fee for Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque?

The mosque is active, and entrance is free. Donations are welcome if desired.

Are women allowed to enter Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque?

Yes, but according to Islamic tradition, they cannot enter the main hall; there is a separate area for women to the side of the main entrance.

When is the best time to visit Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque?

It is best to avoid visiting the active mosque during prayer times if you are not a practicing Muslim. Visiting before noon is ideal. On Fridays, it is advisable to avoid visiting due to the increased attendance for Friday prayers.

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