Overview:

Othello Castle is located in Famagusta, Cyprus. The castle was built in the 15th century by the Venetians, and its name comes from the tragedy play of the same name by William Shakespeare, which is thought to have been set in Famagusta. The castle is a classic example of the fortifications built by the Venice Republic in its colonies in the Mediterranean. Initially, the castle was known as "Castello dell'Aquila" or "Castello di San Salvatore". It was later renamed Othello Castle in honor of Shakespeare's play. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. The impressive four-storey circular tower: Located in the centre of the castle complex, this circular tower is more than 30 metres high and was used as a lookout point. It is flanked by four square semi-turrets, also known as half-turrets, which allowed defenders to fire arrows in different directions. 2. Byblos and Phoenician fortification: The Byblos was the main entrance of the castle and located on its northern side. It is made up of two gates made of limestone that are separated by a small courtyard, with a rectangular tower above them. 3. The stone balcony: This balcony is located on one of the interior walls of the castle and projects from the castle walls making it a great vantage point. It has a small staircase so it can be accessed from the inside. 4. Sturdy walls and defensive mosaics: The walls of Othello Castle are built of limestone and blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Its defence structure consists of more than 10 defence towers located along the perimeter walls, providing access to the main balcony and entrance points. The castle complex also features several mosaic decorations, including a falcon head, a decorative plaque and two stone lions, that add to the fortification. 5. Historic influence: The Othello Castle has been a witness to centuries of wars and conquests, and during the Middle Ages it was strategically important in defending Cyprus from foreign invaders. It is believed to be the site of the historic siege of 1191 during the Third Crusade, when the castle’s defenders fought the forces of the English King Richard I. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Othello Castle, also known as the Curium o Castello di San Mandes, is a fortification located about four miles southwest of Limassol, Cyprus. It was built by the Knights Hospitaller of St John in the 14th century on the site of an earlier castle built by the Knights Templar in 1210. The castle has an irregular rectangular shape, with five circular towers and three curtain walls. The castle is said to have been named after the main character in Shakespeare’s play, Othello. However, it is more likely named after the Lusignan King of Cyprus, Jean d'Ibelin who possibly commissioned to build the castle in the 13th century. In the 1570s, the Ottoman Turks took the castle. It soon became a key point of defence with their navy, and managed to withstand attacks by the Venetians in 1618 and 1625. In the 19th century, the castle lost its strategic importance due to advances in military technology. It was eventually abandoned in the twentieth century. Today, Othello Castle is a popular tourist destination, and is included in the Limassol Archaeological Museum. It also includes a series of art works related to the history of the castle. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Othello Castle is a castle in the city of Famagusta, in the de facto island nation of Northern Cyprus. 2. It is one of the most prominent fortifications in the region, popular for its dramatic location and picturesque architecture. 3. The castle was originally built by the Lusignan kings of Cyprus in the 14th century and extended by the Venetians in the 15th century. 4. During the Ottoman siege of 1570–71, the castle was heavily damaged, and it is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. 5. Its remains are a synecdoche of the later history of Cyprus, as the fortifications attest to the many civilizations that have held sway over the island. 6. The castle is particularly well known for its namesake association with Othello, of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. 7. According to local tradition, the castle was where Othello bashed the brains of his love Desdemona, so-called a crime of passion. This tradition is most unlikely to be accurate, as Othello is believed to be set in Venice. 8. Recent archaeological research has shown that the castle was not home to any such tragedy, and may have even been the site of a festival of some kind. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.