Overview:

Kantara Castle, is located in the Eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It is a medieval castle built in the 13th century by Lusignan kings as a defensive fortification against the Byzantine Empire. It is a labyrinth of winding corners and narrow plunging steps in an imposing defensive position. The castle features magnificent views to the Mediterranean and the surrounding area. Kantara Castle is now a protected antiquities monument and a popular tourist destination. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

Kantara Castle is an iconic structure located in the Kantara region of Cyprus, on the Eastern Mediterranean island. It dates back to the 9th Century AD and is situated at an altitude of almost 2,000 feet above sea level. It is one of the only World Heritage Sites located in the island. The castle stands as a grand symbol of the many occupiers that took control of the island throughout its history. Kantara Castle has a trapezoidal shape, with two tall towers connected by long walls that also contain several other structures. Depending on the year when it was built, the castle was either a fortress or a refuge for fleeing locals. One of the most prominent features of the castle is the large staircase extending up the inner face of the circular tower. This features allows visitors to climb up to the top of the castle, providing them with an exceptional view of the surrounding region. Other notable features include the deep ditch separating the walls of the castle, a loggia located right next to the main door, and a small collection of ancient monuments on the hillside surrounding it. Due to its location at the top of a hill, Kantara Castle offers unparalleled views of the island and the surrounding region. This makes it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with the site providing many activities such as horseback riding, archery and even bird watching. Kantara Castle is a remarkable example of Cyprus' past and a fascinating testament to its many occupiers. It is considered an invaluable cultural asset and continues to be one of the most impressive structures in the island. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Kantara Castle is a castle located in the northern part of Cyprus. It is a well-preserved site with extensive grounds, and is a popular tourist destination. The castle was originally built by the Byzantines in the 10th century as a fortress. It was then used by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the years, and in the 16th century it was used by the Ottomans as a military base. During World War II, Kantara Castle was occupied by the British Army, and was used as a barracks, hospital, ammunition dump, and radio station. In the 1950s, the castle was used as a police station. Today, the castle is open to the public and serves as a major tourist attraction. It has a museum that contains artifacts from its many iterations and is surrounded by a restored garden. There are also restored guard towers, battlements, and ramparts that still exist today. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Kantara Castle is a Crusader fortress in Eastern Cyprus that overlooks the Karpas Peninsula, east of Kyrenia. 2. Kantara Castle was built by the Byzantines in the 7th century and was later occupied by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. 3. Kantara Castle is divided into two main parts: the castle proper and the old Byzantine chapel. 4. The castle, which has three towers, was built to defend against Muslim invasions and to help secure the trade route from Kyrenia to Famagusta. 5. Kantara Castle was almost completely destroyed during the Ottoman conquest of the island in the 16th century. 6. The castle was subsequently restored and was used by the British forces in the 20th century. 7. Kantara Castle now stands as an important symbol of Greek Cypriot heritage and is freely open to the public. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.