This ancient edifice dominates the eastern end of the Old Harbour in Kyrenia, by night bathed in a golden glow beneath the Mediterranean stars and, by day, a fascinating place to explore.

A Castle, whose purpose is to act as a fortification and protective stronghold, is traditionally placed in an imposing and extremely powerfully dominating position. Kyrenia Castle is no exception, standing as it does in the northeast corner of central Kyrenia, its basically rectangular shaped body firmly nestling on the coastline at the entrance to the old harbour, with views across the Mediterranean Sea towards Turkey.
The present Venetian structure is an amalgam of castellated forms dating back through the ages (no-one is quite sure when) but evidence of Byzantine and Lusignan influence and occupation is prevalent. Remnants of former structures belonging to it can be traced back to these periods, such as the stump of the round tower which stands towards the top of the main high street in Kyrenia and houses traditional arts and crafts for sale, or the remnant in the middle of the old harbour which might possibly be the remains of a medieval lighthouse.

However, most historians believe that the castle was built on top of the site of a Roman fort. During its evolution Kyrenia Castle’s main function has been as bolt-hole for those who were escaping from other worlds, or as a prison for others. Between 1460-1464, for example, it was occupied by Queen Charlotte, until being deposed by her half-brother James, whilst during Henry II’s rule, the rebellious Ibelin lords were imprisoned here. The British also used it as a prison for a brief period during its administration.
One of the most significant factors in its history is that Kyrenia Castle has never been taken by force. New occupation has always been as a result of war strategies such as surrender, or starvation for example. This was exemplified in 1570 when the Ottoman chiefs sent the heads of the Venetian commanders of fallen Nicosia to the Castle, as a threat of things to come. This had the desired effect, without battle.

Chapel of St. George

Let us enter, then, and feel for ourselves the influence of generations of warlords, nobility and prisoners, as the thick stone walls echo their shouts, their merriment, and their anguish. Come with me, as we climb the stone steps up towards the Castle’s ground level, from the old harbour, across the tarmac bridge (below which the moat used to be), and enter through the covered archway from the northwest. Immediately you will be struck by the intense contrast of colours as you walk, blindingly, from the deep shadows of stone, in to the brilliant sunshine of pure white structures, edged with the cobalt sky above. You will feel comforted by the coolness as you enter the small passage on the left-hand side, which leads to the perfect Byzantine structure of the Chapel of St. George, with its four Corinthian columns. Here you will find solace in the peace that abounds here and realise why the Venetians decided to incorporate this religious place in to the very arms of the Castle, rather than where it originally stood outside its walls, and therefore beyond its protection.

During the past seven years or so, a lot of improvements have been made to make Kyrenia Castle a most interesting and thriving visitors’ attraction. It has also become an important venue for the Arts, with regular concerts and plays being performed in the extensive open courtyard in the summer months.

Castle Walls
But let us continue our journey. You may wish to stop for a few moments to research the history of the castle, and to refresh your memory with regard to origins by way of a ‘visual introduction to Girne and its Castle’, housed in the vaulted chamber to your right. Follow this by a climb to the perimeter walls, via the northwest tower, and before you will be revealed an unparalleled vista, with the sight of Kyrenia nestling at the base of the Beşparmak mountains to the south, and the Karpaz Peninsula to the distant east. It is worth completing the full circuit of the walls if you can, but remember your sunhat and water bottle if you go in the hotter months!
Time now for well earned refreshment in the courtyard cafe, shaded by the trees of the northeast corner. As you look around from your relaxing patio table and chairs you will notice several signposts of information, pointing in various directions. The northeast bastion will delight you with a mannequin display of dress and armour through the ages, whilst in the southeast tower you will find a recreation of a Venetian cannon crew in action. In the Lusignan dungeon you will come across the representation of Joanna d’Aleman – the mistress of Peter the First – who was incarcerated in the castle by his wife, until the birth of his bastard child, as well as examples of torture used in the day.

Tombs

However, you have yet to experience the most superb exhibits in the Castle grounds and, if time is precious on your visit, I advise you to make these your priority. Both are located on the east of the courtyard and are very worthy of your interest. The Tomb-Finds Gallery houses three main exhibitions depicting examples of life in the Neolithic Age, the Bronze Age, and the Hellenistic to Byzantine periods. There is a realistic reconstruction of a Neolithic dwelling (c.4100 BC), depicting a harsh utilitarian life, where the models display their bone jewellery. Apparently, evidence of seventeen of these dwellings has been found near Çatalköy. In the room next to this you will come across a second reconstruction, this time depicting the early Bronze Age tomb at Krini (2075-1725 BC). In the upstairs gallery cast your eyes upon artefacts from the ancient town of Ayia Irini at Akdeniz. You can feast upon the range of terracotta and coloured glass objects, the hoards of coins, and the display of ancient gold jewellery.

Shipwreck

The best is yet to come: walk with me in to the adjacent building and you come across a real treasure. Here you will find probably the earliest trading vessel yet discovered in the modern world. The merchant ship, dating from c.300 BC, was raised from the seabed of the Mediterranean by marine archaeologists between 1967-69. It has been meticulously preserved in the Shipwreck Museum at Kyrenia Castle, along with examples of its original cargo. The amphorae and interesting grain mills contain evidence of trade in olive oil, wine (over 400 amphorae) and almonds. Carbon-14 dating indicates that the vessel had been in service for over eighty years and had been very much repaired when it foundered. The construction of the ship itself is unusual as it is in direct reverse to current shipbuilding techniques. In the Kyrenia example the lengthwise planks of Aleppo pine were laid down first, the cross-ribbing later. You are also able to view the photographic record of the discovery itself, reliving the excitement of the incredible find by a local diver, over thirty metres down in the depths of the Mediterranean.
Who knows what other artefacts are here to be discovered? One thing is very clear: Kyrenia Castle is not only an interesting day out, but it has also proved to be a real treasure that simply has to be discovered by each and every one of us! Enjoy the past today.
Source Toplum Postasi Newspaper. Article written byTeresa Jones.

Post Commenthttps://www.directtraveller.com/blog/kyrenia-historic-laid-back-picturesque/

https://i1.wp.com/www.directtraveller.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/kyreniacastle3.jpg?fit=320%2C211&ssl=1https://i1.wp.com/www.directtraveller.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/kyreniacastle3.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1Direct TravellerUncategorizedChapel of St. George,Kyrenia castle,North Cyprus castles
This ancient edifice dominates the eastern end of the Old Harbour in Kyrenia, by night bathed in a golden glow beneath the Mediterranean stars and, by day, a fascinating place to explore. A Castle, whose purpose is to act as a fortification and protective stronghold, is traditionally placed in...