FAMAGUSTA FIG TREE

This approximately 15 m tall tree (Cümbez Ağacı, Τουμπεζιά της Αμμοχώστου/Toubezia tis Ammochostos) is probably the oldest in Cyprus. This is not a common fig tree (Ficus carica), but a sycamore fig tree (Ficus sycomorus). Native to Africa and the Near East, this species produces round, pink edible fruit, usually here in July. Over seven centuries old, it is said to have been planted in 1299, during the first year of construction of the Saint-Nicolas cathedral, now the Lala-Mustafa-Pacha mosque.