Cyprus is an island that has been inhabited for over 9,000 years, from the Neolithic Stone Age to the civilised 21st century, mankind has walked this fertile land. Early settlers most probably came from nearby countries, with Turkey only 40 […]
The Venetians, wishing to make their own mark on the palace changed the façade of the entrance, extending it outwards, building basket arches and incorporating massive granite pillars imported from the ruined city of Salamis. Over the central arch are […]
Standing on a slight rise and overlooking the huge necropolis of Salamis is the twin- domed church dedicated to St. Barnabas, patron saint of Cyprus. This church, now used as an icon museum with the ancillary monks’ cells housing an […]
The fortress that guards the harbour and is now called Othello’s Tower, was built during the Lusignan period in the 14th C, and it may well have been a residence for members of the royal family or their entourage during […]
Clearly signposted from Kyrenia, this is a castle built on three distinct levels, each one designed to be self-sufficient and self-contained. Although it was not exempt from the ravages of war, and was besieged during the 13th C when an […]
Kyrenia, with its picturesque harbour and adjacent castle is called the “Jewel of Cyprus”. It is, quite simply, exquisite! The town was probably founded circa tenth century BC and was one of the original city kingdoms. Its position on the […]
Continuing westwards from Kyrenia, pass the turning to the left signposted Alsancak, soon on the right there is a sign for the Mare Monte Hotel. At present this hotel is closed and undergoing restoration, however the drive to the hotel […]
The oriental style cliff-top palace of Vouni was built during Persian dominance by a pro-Persian king of Marion. The strategic position enabled the inhabitants to look down on the city of Soli and had advance warning if the Greek warriors […]
Unless approaching Guzelyurt from the Nicosia road, it is impossible to miss this church as it is built at a central point where roads converge. Constructed during the 18th C AD, on the site of an early Byzantine church, this […]
As the name implies, this castle is buffeted by the winds, and standing at 3,100 feet it is the highest and most inaccessible of the three castles. To get there, take the turning that is signposted at the top of […]