Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Sinan Pasha Mosque)

The exact origins and benefactor of the Church of St. Peter and Paul are subjects of historical debate. For a long time, it was believed that a merchant named Simone Nostrano financed the construction costs from the profit of a single trade deal. However, more recent interpretations of old writings and Syrian wall inscriptions suggest that the name might be a misspelling, and the church was founded by a Nestorian named Simon. The church suffered damage from earthquakes in 1546 and 1568, which were subsequently repaired by adding buttresses. After the Ottoman conquest around 1600, it was converted into the Sinan Pasha Mosque. Later, it served various purposes, including a theater, a potato and grain store, and even an orange warehouse. Most recently, it was used as a city library before becoming accessible as a historical site today.

The Church of St. Peter and Paul is located in Famagusta (Αμμόχωστος, Mağusa) in the district of Gazimağusa (Αμμόχωστος, Famagusta) in Northern Cyprus, part of Cyprus. It stands at an elevation of approximately 14 meters above sea level.

The well-preserved remains of the Church of St. Peter and Paul can be visited. Architectural details such as the robust round columns, the rib vaults, and the octagonal stair tower at the southwestern corner, which was once raised to become a minaret, can be explored. The richly decorated portal on the north side is particularly noteworthy.