Kyrenia Castle

The impressive Kyrenia Castle which is still in perfect condition, is in the northeast of the beautiful city of Kyrenia on the eastern corner of the Kyrenia harbor.

Kyrenia Castle according to excavation works is believed to have been built around 7th century A.D. by the Byzantines in order to protect the city against Arab Raids. Additional construction of the castle during Lusignan and Venetian periods further enlarged and fortified it.

Kyrenia castle has served different purposes during the course of history. The Lusignan kings used it as a place of shelter, after being captured by the Venetians in 1491 A.D. it was used basically as a fort.

Kyrenia Castle was captured by the Ottomans in 1570 A.D. and remained in Ottoman hands for about three centuries. Later during the British Colonial times it was used as prison and certain portion as police school.