Paphos Castle, Medieval castle at Kato Paphos harbor, Cyprus

Paphos Castle is a rectangular limestone fortress positioned at Kato Paphos harbor with a central courtyard and multiple rooms inside. An arched stone bridge links it directly to the waterfront, and thick ramparts reinforce its walls.

The fortress originated in medieval times but faced near-total destruction by Venetians in 1570. Ottoman forces rebuilt it in 1592, establishing the structure that survives today.

The fortress reflects layers of occupation through its construction methods and room layouts, showing how each ruling power left its mark on the building. Walking through it reveals these different periods side by side.

You can enter through the main gateway and move freely through the interior spaces at your own pace. Lower levels with former prison cells tend to be cramped and dim, so the upper areas offering Mediterranean views provide a refreshing change.

The castle's single entrance faces east, and above it an inscription on a marble slab records the Ottoman reconstruction of 1592. Inside, the central hall of the upper floor served as the garrison mosque, while the ground-floor rooms on either side were used as prison cells.