History
The stronghold at the eastern end of the Kyrenia range was most likely built by the Byzantines, though the exact date is unknown; historians suggest anything from the 10th to the late 11th century. It watched the coast for raiders and passed signals to Buffavento and St Hilarion. In 1191 the island's ruler Isaac Komnenos took refuge here from Richard the Lionheart, and after the conquest of Cyprus the castle passed to the Crusaders and soon to the Lusignan dynasty. In the civil war between the supporters of Emperor Frederick II and the Ibelin family it was besieged in 1229, its garrison surrendering a year later after its commander was killed. After the Genoese invasion of 1373 the kings strengthened its defences, adding barracks and a large cistern. Under Venetian rule the castle was judged obsolete; the last garrison left in 1525 and the defences were dismantled in 1560.
What to see
The castle stands about 600 metres up on a rocky ridge, and on a clear day you can see both the northern and southern coasts of the island, with the Karpas peninsula to the east. A barbican and gateway lead inside, where vaulted halls, cisterns, towers and stretches of wall survive. The highest lookout tower gives the widest panorama.
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