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Buffavento Castle

Buffavento is a medieval castle located in the most beautiful setting imaginable – on the top of rocky mountains. The monument with 1000 years of history is one of the most visited sights by tourists in North Cyprus. Buffavento is located in the top of Kyrenian mountain range (sometimes referred to as Besparmak mountain range) between castles of Kantara in the east and St. Hilarion castle in the west. According to many, Buffavento commands the best views compared to other two bastions. Buffavento is one of the three magnificent castles built on the mountain range and is situated at an altitude of 950 meters above sea level. Not surprisingly, the name Buffavento, translated from Italian means "gusty wind", although many prefer more romantic option of "awakening wind".


In the era of numerous invaders and conquerors of Cyprus, the castle had different functions, and it is believed that during the Byzantine rule in the 10th century, the castle was used as a watchtower, for the position of the castles allows to monitor the approaching ships to the island, which had considerable prerogative over attackers. The castle was a key factor in the protection of Cyprus from enemies; when an enemy was noticed fire signals were fashioned, which could be seen in Kyrenia and Nicosia, as well as in the other two fortresses – St. Hilarion and Kantara, thus raising the alarm and sending a warning of impending danger. Buffavento defended the island from brutal Arab attacks that often fell on Cyprus, and which are responsible for many destructions and robberies of the island between seventh and tenth centuries.


Various sources declare that Byzantine king Isaac Kommenus took shelter in the castle, when Richard the Lionheart invaded Cyprus in 1191. In the Middle Ages the castle was known as the "Lion Castle" or "Chateau du Lion" and was used as a prison, unfortunately the origins and early history of Buffavento are less known. However, most historians agree that the Byzantines built the castle in the 10th century AD. The fortress was rebuilt and enlarged in the 14th century, during the reign of Lusignan dynasty over Cyprus .
During the Venetian rule over the island from 1489 to 1571, the castle was abandoned, as coastal fortresses were preferred to mountain castles. After the reign of the dynasty, Buffavento was no longer used and was slowly destructed by time.
In 1995, North Cyprus suffered a catastrophic fire, which demolished over 16,000 hectares of forest, the trees around the castle were ruined, however Buffavento remained unharmed.


The castle was built on two levels. On the lower level, stone rooms are located, which over centuries had different purposes and functions. Just a ten-minute walk up the stairs from the lower level, under which water cisterns are located, is the upper part of the castle, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. When weather conditions allow, the magnificent scenery of Kyrenia, Famagusta in the east of Nicosia and the Troodos Mountains can be seen. It is here, at an altitude of 950 meters, are the remains of a small chapel.
From the seaside, the castle is almost imperceptible, and is better visible from the area of Nicosia; if you look to the right of the giant flag of Northern Cyprus, you can see the castle wall extending from the top of the mountain.
Despite the fact that Buffavento is not greatly preserved, it is a magical place, visit to which gives incredible emotions and energy charge. In addition, standing on the top of the mountain, feeling the sea breeze, and enjoying 360-degree views, you can only guess how this masterpiece was built.

Video of the castle