- Address: Küpdemir Sk, Girne
- Phone: +90 392 227 2916
- Foundation date: 16th c.
- Opening hours: March-November 8.00 - 18.00, December-February 9.00 - 14.00
- The cost of visiting: adult - 40 euros, children - 15 euros
The main decoration of the harbor of the ancient city of Kyrenia in Cyprus is the Kyrenia Castle, built in the 16th century by Venetians. The attraction appeared on the site of the destroyed fortress, erected during the Crusades.
History of the fortress
The history of the castle dates back many centuries, because originally there was a fortification, which in the 7th century the Byzantines built to protect their lands from the Arabs' predatory encroachments. Later the building was rebuilt and improved, while the power and inhabitants of the castle constantly changed. At various times, the King of England lived here - Richard the Lionheart and the aristocratic dynasty of Lusignan. The period from 1208th to 1211 years was marked by the next changes: the territory of the castle increased, new towers were built, the front entrance of the building changed, the new residence appeared, in which the monarchs were located. The outbreak of the war with the Genoese pretty patted the fortress, it again had to be rebuilt from the ruins. This work was done by the Venetians, firmly entrenched in the castle. However, the world did not last long and the Turks who seized power turned the castle into a military fortification.
A new stage in the life of the Kyrenia Castle began after Cyprus gained independence. The fortress and its territory became open to tourists, but the military conflict between the Greeks and the Turks turned the story back and the Kyrenia Castle once again defended the country's borders.
Castle today
Today, in the territory occupied by the Kyrenia Castle, the most interesting city museum, whose exposition is dedicated to shipwrecks, is organized. The most interesting exhibits of the museum collection are the wreckage of a merchant ship, dating back to the IV century BC, which were discovered in 1965 near the city of Kyrenia. Surprisingly, some of the cargo remained safe and recognizable. These are cutlery, amphorae and almonds. In addition, museum collections carefully store other archaeological relics: icons, paintings, decorations and much more.
Also in the museum there is a collection of mannequins-soldiers guarding it in different epochs. The open-air museum is divided into a museum-settlement, in which the dwellings of ancient people, objects of everyday life, elements of clothing were recreated.
Helpful information
You can visit the Kyrenia Castle all year round. Visiting the sights from March to November is possible between 08:00 and 18:00. In December, January, February the fortress is opened from 09:00 to 14:00 hours every day, except Thursday (work is carried out until 4:00 pm). The entrance fee is 40 Euros from adult visitors, 15 Euros from children.
The nearest public transport station (SIVIL SAVUNMA) is a 30-minute walk from the landmark. City buses No. 7, 48, 93, 118 follow the required station. If necessary, you can use the services of a taxi, but the trip will cost much more.
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