Never seen before footage shows Varosha, the world’s most luxurious abandoned city
- This video shows us around the abandoned city of Varosha, Famagusta, in Cyprus
- It was a luxurious resort and celebrity hotspot in the 1970s
- However, when Turkey invaded in 1974 it became a ghost town overnight
Published on Mar 26, 2024 at 3:08 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Mar 26, 2024 at 8:08 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
Looking at the crumbling and abandoned city of Varosha, Famagusta, in Cyprus today, it’s hard to imagine it being a luxurious resort and celebrity hotspot back in the 1970s.
However, that’s exactly what Varosha was before Turkey invaded in 1974 when the city, with miles of stunning coastline, became a ghost town overnight.
The content creators behind Yes Theory explained that, while Cyprus’ history is complicated, the UN buffer zone now separates Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus.
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The footage gives us a peek at what remains of the now-crumbling, yet once-desirable beach location that sits amidst the wreckage following the conflict.
Decades after the invasion that changed everything, Varosha remains empty and unoccupied.
Turkey made the controversial decision to reopen the Varosha seafront in 2020, however, the situation is still a delicate one.
Permission was required from both the Turkish military and the UN to explore it, military and Turkish press office escorts were required, and entering buildings is still an offense.
The city itself lies crumbling and desolate – a stark difference from occupied areas mere streets away.
While eerily, tables and chairs remain outside cafes and restaurants and once-luxury apartment blocks sit empty, the decay makes it appear post-apocalyptic.
Damaged and crumbling, the results of bombing and gunfire from years ago are still evident.
A view of the now-defunct airport even shows planes decaying on the spot.
The team managed to talk to some locals who were forced to flee and everything they had to leave behind – and it seems as if their emotional scars are the real casualty of the conflict.
And this isn’t the only abandoned city currently on our radar, as this $100 billion eco-friendly ‘Forest City’ is now a ghost town with no change in site.
What’s more, this incredible drone footage and images show the truth behind Chernobyl after 37 years.
In happier news, this car parked on the same spot for nearly 50 years became a local icon.
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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
