Kantara Castle, Medieval fort in Kantara, Cyprus
The fortification stands at 613 meters elevation on the Kyrenia Mountains, controlling the northern coast and Mesaoria plains of Cyprus.
Built by the Byzantines after 965 CE to guard against Arab raids, the castle first appeared in written records during Richard the Lionheart's conquest in 1191.
The fortress represents Byzantine military architecture with its horseshoe-shaped towers, signal tower for communication with Buffavento Castle, and defensive barbican entrance.
The castle contains military quarters, water cisterns, vaulted chambers, and watchtowers, with steep cliffs protecting three sides of the structure.
King James I reinforced the castle walls in 1391, and most remains visible today date from these renovations before Venetians abandoned it in 1525.
Location: Kantara
Architectural style: Byzantine architecture
Elevation above the sea: 613 m
GPS coordinates: 35.40640,33.92330
Latest update: May 11, 2025 07:19
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