Kyrenia Castle; It is one of the most popular structures of the Cyprus peninsula, which has survived from the Middle Ages to the present day. As a result of some studies and researches, it has been shown that this magnificent structure, which is the symbol of the city of Kyrenia, actually dates back to the Hellenistic Roman ages, but despite this, there is still no definitive information.
Again, Kyrenia Castle, which is mentioned in the sources, is also mentioned in the 3rd Crusade in 1191, when King Richard the Lionheart of England defeated King Isaac Comnen of Cyprus and captured Cyprus.
If we look at the current state of Kyrenia Castle, it is possible to understand that it has gone through many phases. At the same time, although there are very few traces from the period when Kyrenia Castle was first built, some studies have shown that the castle dates back to the seventh century and was built by the Byzantines to protect the city from Arab attacks.
Richard the Lionheart sold the Cyprus peninsula to the Templar Knights and later to the French Guy de Lusignan. Therefore, the island of Cyprus remained in the hands of the Lusignans until 1489. In addition, Kyrenia Castle took its current structure due to the severe damage it sustained from the attacks of the Venetians in the 14th century. The Venetians built additional towers and fortification walls so that Kyrenia Castle could stand strong and upright against the attacks of the Ottoman Empire. However, all these efforts of the Venetians, who were defeated by the Ottoman Empire in 1570, were in vain. Kyrenia Castle also remained in the hands of the Ottomans for three centuries.
In addition to all these, Kyrenia Castle, which was under British colonial rule, was used as a prison and police school between 1878-1960. There is a deep moat filled with water in the southern and western parts of Kyrenia Castle and the entrance to the castle is provided by a bridge from the northwest.
Kyrenia Castle can be visited between 09.00-16.45 in the summer and between 09.00-18.45 in the winter. Also, it can take about 1 hour to visit every part of Kyrenia Castle.
ARTIFACTS IN THE CASTLE
LUZINIAN TOWER
ST. GEORGE CHURCH
CISTERN
DUNGARY
SUNKEN SHIP MUSEUM
VENICE TOWER
KIRNI TOMBS
MEDITERRANEAN TOMB EXCAVATION