Saint Hilarion Castle, Medieval fortress in Kyrenia Mountains, Cyprus.

Saint Hilarion Castle is a fortress ruin in the Kyrenia Mountains with three distinct levels that step upward along the hilltop. Each section connects through pathways and stairs, revealing different rooms, towers, and defensive walls as you move through the structure.

The castle is named after an obscure saint who, by tradition, fled to Cyprus after the Arab conquest of the Holy Land and lived as a hermit on this hilltop; an English traveller reported his relics preserved here in the 14th century. A monastery in his name has been proposed as preceding the castle, but no substantial evidence supports it. The Byzantines began fortifying the site in the 11th century, alongside Buffavento and Kantara, against Arab raids. The Lusignans upgraded sections and used it as a summer residence; in the 13th century it was the focus of a four-year struggle between Emperor Frederick II and Regent John of Ibelin. The Venetians dismantled much of it in the 15th century.

The castle takes its name from an obscure saint, not Hilarion of Thavata, who is said to have retired to this hilltop after the Arab conquest of the Holy Land. An English traveller in the 14th century reported his relics preserved here. The Lusignan kings used the castle as a summer residence, and its cool inner courtyard was valued in hot weather.

The climb requires sturdy footwear and sure footing, as there are numerous steps and steep sections throughout the site. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially during warmer months when shade is limited.

The castle is not named after Saint Hilarion of Thavata but after an obscure hermit who, by tradition, fled to Cyprus after the Arab conquest of the Holy Land and lived on this hilltop. An English traveller in the 14th century reported that his relics were still kept here.