Kyrenia Castle

This beautiful castle is situated in the north-east of the city of Girne and serves as a backdrop to the city's harbour. The first historical reference to the castle dates back to 1191, when King Richard the Lionheart of England, on his way to the Third Crusade, captured it by defeating King Isak Komnen of Cyprus. Whilst it has not yet been possible to determine a definite date for the castle's construction, excavations throughout the castle have revealed Hellenistic-Roman traces which date back to the 7th century BC. It is likely that the castle was built to defend Girne from Arabic raids.

Initially Girne castle was very small. It was first enlarged between 1208 and 1211, during the reign of King John d'Ibelin. Its main purpose was military, which was reflected in the buildings and functions of the castle. Using the Byzantium style of fortification, a new entrance, square and horseshoe-shaped towers, embrasures for archers aun dungeons were added.

The castle was almost destroyed during the Genoese rainds in 1373. By 1489 the Venetians took control of the island and they also adapted and enlarged the castle, which took on its current structure. In this period, thick fortified walls embracing the castle and towers, with wide embrasures for cannons were built. In 1570 the Ottomans arrived on the island and ruled it for a long period. The structural additions they made were all destroyed during the British colonial period, when the castle was used as a prison. Kyrene castle has been used for military purposes until the middle of our century. Today the castle is open to the public. You can visit the ancient dungeons, the Byzantine St. George's Church, the Lusignan Tower and the cistern. In the east wing of the building you will find an exhibition about neolithic life in the village of Vrysi and the Shipwreck Museum.