The Royal Tombs

⚰️ The Royal Tombs in North Cyprus – Echoes of a Lost Kingdom

Just outside Famagusta (Gazimağusa) lies one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in North Cyprus — The Royal Tombs of Salamis. These ancient burial chambers date back more than 2,500 years, offering a rare glimpse into the power, wealth, and rituals of Cyprus’s ancient kings.

Set against the backdrop of the ancient city of Salamis, the Royal Tombs are a must-see destination for anyone interested in archaeology, mythology, and Cypriot heritage.
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🏛️ The History of the Royal Tombs

👉 The Royal Tombs, also known as the Salamis Necropolis, date from the 8th to 6th centuries BC, during the early Iron Age. This was a time when Salamis was a flourishing city-kingdom and one of the most important trade and cultural centres in the Eastern Mediterranean.

👉 Archaeological excavations have uncovered a series of impressive burial chambers, believed to be the resting places of kings and noblemen who ruled the island thousands of years ago.

👉 The site also reveals much about ancient funerary customs — including horse burials, offering pits, and ceremonial chariots, demonstrating the great wealth and power of Salamis’s royal elite.
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🙈What to See at the Royal Tombs

The Royal Tombs stretch over a large area between the St. Barnabas Monastery and the ancient city of Salamis.

🏺 Key Highlights Include:

✨Tomb 2 and Tomb 3: Among the most impressive, featuring massive stone chambers and ancient burial offerings.

✨Burial Pits: Where archaeologists found the remains of horses and chariots, sacrificed to accompany their masters into the afterlife.

✨Stone Sarcophagi and Altars: Beautiful examples of early craftsmanship and ritual architecture.

✨Ancient Pottery and Jewellery: Many artifacts discovered here are now displayed at the Cyprus Museum and St Barnabas Monastery Museum.

Each tomb reveals clues about how the ancient Cypriots honoured their rulers — blending influences from Greek, Phoenician, and Assyrian cultures.
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🏯 The Connection with St Barnabas Monastery

Located only a short walk from the Royal Tombs, the St Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum is another highlight of the area.

Tradition holds that St Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus, was buried near the necropolis after his martyrdom in the 1st century AD. His tomb lies within a small chapel surrounded by olive trees, making it a peaceful and spiritual stop before or after exploring the ancient royal graves.
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⚰️Visiting the Royal Tombs

📌 Location: Between Salamis Ruins and St Barnabas Monastery, near Famagusta
📅 Opening Hours Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (check seasonal times)
💲 Entry Fee: Included with Salamis Archaeological Site ticket
🛠️ Facilities: Parking, restrooms, shaded areas
🕒 Recommended Visit: Duration 1–2 hours
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (cooler and better light for photos)
🎒 Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and water, as the site is mostly open and sunny.
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⛏️ Archaeological Significance

The Royal Tombs of Salamis are among the most important archaeological discoveries in Cyprus. They provide evidence of:
• Wealthy royal burials dating back to the early Iron Age.
• Trade connections with ancient civilizations like Egypt and the Near East.
• Complex funerary rituals involving animal sacrifices and ceremonial processions.

These findings help historians understand how early Cypriot societies viewed death, kingship, and the afterlife.
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🧭Nearby Attractions

🧔 Salamis Ruins - 2km - Ancient city with theatre, gymnasium, and baths.
🏯 St Barnabas Monastery - 1km - Beautiful monastery and museum.
🧱 Famagusta Old Town - 8km - Venetian walls, Othello’s Tower, and Gothic churches.
⛱️Glapsides Beach - 10km - Lovely sandy beach for swimming and relaxing after sightseeing.
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🎯 Why Visit the Royal Tombs in North Cyprus

✅ Walk through ancient history where kings and warriors were laid to rest.
✅ See well-preserved burial chambers and learn about ancient Cypriot rituals.
✅ Combine culture and nature — explore ruins, olive groves, and sea views all in one trip.
✅ Perfect for photographers — stunning light and atmospheric ruins.
✅ Educational for all ages — ideal for families, students, and history enthusiasts.
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📝Travel Tips

• Pair your visit with the Salamis Ruins and St Barnabas Monastery for a full-day historical trip.
• Bring a guidebook or local guide to better understand the site’s background.
• Respect the ruins — do not climb on tombs or touch ancient stones.
• Visit early or late in the day to avoid heat and tour crowds.
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🌸 Final Thoughts

The Royal Tombs of Salamis stand as silent witnesses to an ancient world — where kings ruled, rituals flourished, and Cyprus was a vital crossroads of civilizations.

Visiting the Royal Tombs is more than a journey into the past; it’s an opportunity to connect with the deep cultural roots of North Cyprus, surrounded by landscapes that have changed little in millennia.
If you love history, archaeology, and timeless stories, the Royal Tombs are a destination not to be missed on your North Cyprus adventure.