An amalgam of different periods and thus irregularly shaped, Kyrenia Castle has only the citadel of Famagusta as a rival for castellated interest on the island. The castle is located in the picturesque harbour of Kyrenia, overlooking the sea, mountain range and the city itself. The castle, as other fortresses in Cyprus, was built for defensive purposes, mainly as protection against Arab raids, feared all over the island. Historical past and the gradual development of the castle is documented in various texts, and the first record of the castle dates back to 1191, during Richard the Lionheart’s rule. Although the exact data of the beginning of the construction is not known, history of the castle dates back to the 7th century AD.
Based on historical data and the existing remains, construction of the Harbour Castle can be divided into three phases: construction during the Byzantine period (VII - XII AD), Lusignan period (1208 - 1211 BC), and the construction, made during the Venetian period (1489 - 1570 BC).
According to the preserved sources, it can be argued that much of the present castle was built during the reign of King John Ibelin between 1208 - 1211 BC and that the current strengthening of the early Roman period were also made at the same time. The Lusignans used the castle as a resting palace and as a refuge during a war.
After the Venetians captured Cyprus in 1489, Kyrenia Castle was changed and converted into the artillery, which survives today.
During the capture of Cyprus by Ottoman Empire in 1570 AD Kyrenia surrendered without resistance and remained in the hands of the Turks for about three centuries. Later, during the British colonial period, a designated area of the castle was used as a prison and police administration. In the sixties, the castle was opened to the public, but generally, sailors used it as military headquarters. Today the castle is under the control of the Department of Antiquities and Museums.Since 1974, after the formation of the TRNC, castle functions as a museum, where in addition to the ship wreck found off the coast of Kyrenia, visitors can see a variety of archaeological remains found in the region of Kyrenia (Girne).
Lovers of history or historical sites, visiting Kyrenia Castle, will be able to plunge into the history of Cyprus, see the church in the form of a cross, the tower of the castle which dates back to Byzantine period, the building previously used as prison, royal rooms, open-air temple and other attractions.
The main features of the appearance of the castle are round towers, constructed by the Venetians. They saw the Turks gaining power as a potential threat and wanted to protect themselves from the mainlanders. The walls were strengthened and expanded with round towers and a fortress built in the corners.
Kyrenia Castle with its massive walls and mighty bastions is one of the most impressive and grand structures in Cyprus.
