St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 26 Jun, 2023
- |
Standing proud in Northern Cyprus, St Hilarion Castle is an incredible medieval sight – an awe-inspiring fortress that dates back to medieval times. Set atop a mountain between the cities of Kyrenia and Nicosia, the castle offers breathtaking views of the city and the glistening Mediterranean Sea. In this blog, we will be exploring some fascinating facts and historical information about the castle, as well as giving some helpful advice for those wishing to visit this majestic man-made landmark. So, if you’re looking to learn more about St Hilarion Castle, read on!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia
1. St. Hilarion Castle was constructed in the 10th century by Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII and named after St. Hilarion, a hermit.
2. The castle is built on a high mountain peak and consists of three separate towers connected by walls.
3. The beautiful views from the castle make it a popular site for photographers.
4. In 1985, the castle was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
5. The Castle was an important stronghold in the Middle Ages and saw action in many wars.
6. In 1373, the castle was captured by Genoese forces and then returned to the Cyclades prince from Lusignano in 1426.
7. The castle was damaged by an earthquake in the 16th century, leading to its ruin.
8. The castle has had a turbulent history, with it being taken by the Ottomans in 1570 but then retaken by Venetian forces in 1645.
9. The area surrounding the castle is now part of Kyrenia, with the castle being an important tourist attraction.
10. Despite its ruinous nature, the castle was still able to provide some protection for the Cypriots during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
History & Information About St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia
St. Hilarion Castle is a medieval castle situated atop the Kyrenia Mountains in Northern Cyprus. It is named after Saint Hilarion, who is believed to have lived in the area in the 4th century. The castle began life as a monastery in the 10th century, before being converted into a fortress in the following centuries. The castle was a key point in defending the Kyrenia Mountains against Arab raids, as well as being an important administrative base for the Byzantines and, later, the Venetians. In the 12th century, a citadel was added at the top of the castle, though it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1373.
During the Ottoman-Venetian war, the castle was used as a strategic location to launch raids against the Venetian fortified cities on the coast. In 1570, the castle fell under Ottoman rule when it was sold to the Sultan of Constantinople. After this, the Castle began to decline, and by 1878 it had fallen into disrepair. Further damage was done to the castle during the 1974 Turkish invasion, when it was shelled from both the land and sea.
Since then, St. Hilarion Castle has been extensively renovated and is now open to the public as a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the towers, courtyards, chapels, and other ruins of the former citadel, as well as take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Today, St. Hilarion Castle stands as a reminder of its long and tumultuous history, as well as a testament to the resilience of its people. Despite the numerous wars and invasions experienced by the region throughout its history, the castle still stands proudly atop the Kyrenia Mountains, a living monument to the past.
- Cyprus Museum, Nicosia : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- Cyprus Wine Museum, Erimi : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
Travel Guide For Visiting St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia
, Cyprus
St. Hilarion Castle is a Medieval castle located on the Kyrenia mountain range in northern Cyprus. The castle is one of the many fortifications built by the Byzantines and later by the French. It is said to have been built around 1200 AD, and is considered to be one of the largest fortresses constructed in the Medieval period.
Getting There:
The best way to get to St. Hilarion Castle is to take a taxi from Kyrenia or Nicosia. The cost of a taxi should be around 25 Euros for a one-way trip from Kyrenia or Nicosia to St. Hilarion Castle.
Opening Times:
St. Hilarion Castle is open from 8am to 6pm daily.
Admission Prices:
Admission price to the castle is 10 Euros for adults, and 5 Euros for children.
Things to Do:
When visiting St. Hilarion Castle, visitors can enjoy exploring the ruins of the Medieval fortress, as well as the views of the Kyrenia mountain range which can be seen from the castle. Visitors can also enjoy a pleasant walk along the walls of the castle, and take in the beautiful architecture. There are also a few restaurants within the vicinity of the castle which serves Cypriot cuisine.
Finally St. Hilarion Castle visitors can also experience the traditional pastime of Cypriots by enjoying a game of backgammon at one of the local cafes.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Hilarion Castle, Kyrenia
Q: How old is St. Hilarion Castle?
A: St. Hilarion Castle is believed to have been built around the 10th century by Byzantine Emperor, Nicephorus II Phocas.
Q: What is the significance of St. Hilarion Castle?
A: St. Hilarion Castle holds reverence as a significant fortress from the Middle Ages, as well as serving as a spiritual site.
Q: Is St. Hilarion Castle open to the public?
A: Yes, St. Hilarion Castle is open to the public and can be visited on organized tours or individual visits.
Q: Are there any fees for visiting St. Hilarion Castle?
A: Yes, there is an admission fee of 8 euros (or the equivalent in local currency).
Q: Does St. Hilarion Castle offer activities for children?
A: Yes, St. Hilarion Castle offers educational and interactive activities for children, such as trivia and scavenger hunts.