Kyrenia

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Shortened history of the castle :

Kyrenia Castle is a spectacular site. The castle dates back to Byzantine times and has served several civilisations : the Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans, and the British.

Richard the Lion Heart first referred to Kyrenia castle in 1191 when he conquered Cyprus on his way to the crusades.

The castle features huge round towers at its corners that the Venetians built in 1540 to strengthen the castle against artillery.

The view from the castle across Kyrenia harbour is amazing, just what the defending Venetians needed to check for the threatening Ottoman invasion. The irony is, when the Ottoman invasion finally came in 1571, the Venetians gave up without a fight.

Kyrenia Castle also houses the Shipwreck Museum, home to one of the most remarkable marine archaeological treasures in the world. In 300BC, a trading vessel, uploaded with millstones and amphorae (large jars) of wine from Kos and Rhodes set sail for Cyprus. The ship was caught in a storm, and was wrecked outside Kyrenia harbour. The remains of the ship sat on the sea bed covered in sand for 2300 years until 1965, when the remains of what was then the oldest recovered ship in the world began to be recovered. The 47ft long hull is preserved in a specially controlled environment in the Museum, along with wine jars, some utensils used by the crew, and 9000 almonds, which were part of the crew’s rations.

Paphos

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Shortened history of the castle:

Paphos castle was originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour.

It was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, dismantled by the Venetians in 1570 during the Ottoman invasion and rebuilt by the Ottomans after they captured the island in the 16th century.

During its long history, the Paphos Castle was used, as well as for protection, as prison cells, and even as a storage area for salt when the island was a British colony. In 1935 it was declared ancient monument.

The castle as it survives today is relatively well preserved and has a rectangular shape. Its outer dimensions are 33m length and 17m width. The castle has two storeys and is 21 m high.

Many cultural events take place in the square just in front of the castle, while in September the Paphos Aphrodite Festival which presents a different opera every year staged here by world famous artists with the castle building usually acting as part of the scenery.

Opening times and additionnal information:

Open Daily:
08am - 5pm (November-March)
08am - 6pm (April, May, September, October)
08am - 7.30pm (June-August)

Entrance: €1.71 (CY £1.00)