Major Towns, Cities and Villages in
North Cyprus (TRNC)

Guzelyurt

Güzelyurt, translated means `beautiful country' and is aptly named. A market town located west of North Cyprus. One of the attractions is the church dedicated to St. Mamas, commonly known as the patron saint of tax evaders!

The town of Güzelyurt is known as the fruit-bowl of Northern Cyprus. It is the richest agricultural area in North Cyprus, particularly famous for Citrus fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grape fruits) and strawberries. A large proportion of these products are exported and rest are made into fruit juice, canned for export and local consumption.

Although Güzelyurt is not a well known tourist destination it is interesting to those who would like to see parts of Northern Cyprus least affected by tourism. Housing a history and archaeology museum with a collection ranging from the pre historic age to the Byzantine period. Pottery and Primitive tools uncovered from different pre historic settlements and the Bronze Age are exhibited at the museum. Beautiful Orthodox churches and a covered market are just some of the sites to see.

Visit the Guzelyurt area you will notice the difference in landscape more than any other area in North Cyprus. The area of Guzelyurt is green and luscious. There will never be a better time to visit Guzelyurt than when the citrus trees are in full bloom.

Entering the town you drive across a broad, dry river bed, at one time this river flowed and was kept fed by the Troodos Mountains, the water has now been diverted so the river bed is dry.

Visit Guzelyurt on a Saturday and spend some time at the open market. A market that sells everything, carpets to fresh fruit and vegetables. This is a very busy day of the week for Guzelyurt, car parks will be full and buses heavily laden.  A truly fantastic, North Cyprus atmosphere to experience.

We mentioned St. Mamas earlier and here is a glimpse into the legend of Mamas; Mamas was a poor hermit living close to Guzelyurt, who was captured by the authorities for not paying taxes.  Mamas, was being taken into custody when he escaped and as legend has it saved a lamb from being killed by a lion.  Riding on the back of the lion holding the lamb in his arms he met his prosecutors.  His prosecutors were in awe of his bravery and so excused him from paying his taxes.

It is believed that St. Mamas is buried within the church.  The inside of the church is covered in hundreds of well preserved icons belonging to the orthodox faith. 

Guzelyurt a place time has forgotten offering you a glimpse into Cypriot life.

Lefke is within the Güzelyurt district. A picturesque town featuring the Roman ruins at Soli and the hilltop palace of Vouni.

North Cyprus Property – Search all Property