During the Crusades, Cyprus was a transit point for the Frankish Crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. The need to preserve this strategically important island under the rule of European Christians forced the rulers of Cyprus to build many defensive structures, such as castles and fortresses. Despite the fact that in the 16th century, the Venetian Doges, fearing the capture of Cyprus by the Ottoman Empire, left Cyprus and destroyed most of the fortifications and castles, about a dozen of Cyprus castles have survived to this day, mostly restored by the Ottomans for their military needs.
Limassol Castle
Perhaps the most famous castle in Cyprus - Limassol Castle has a very ancient history, rich in wars, destruction and rebuilding. It was here that King Richard the Lionheart of England married Princess Berengaria of Navarre, rescuing her from the captivity of the Cypriot despot Isaac Comnenus. However, it is worth noting that over the eight centuries that have passed since the third crusade, the castle has been rebuilt so many times that a modern visitor will hardly be able to imagine a medieval royal wedding in authentic decorations. The castle acquired its present appearance in 1590, after the reconstruction carried out by the Ottoman Turks. The castle is also curious because for more than a hundred years, until 1950, it housed the Limassol prison. At the moment, the Cyprus Museum of the Middle Ages is located in the Limassol Castle, the exposition of which tells about the historical period of Cyprus from the conquest of the island by the army of the crusaders, until the end of the period of the Venetian Doges.
Othello Castle in Famagusta
Another famous Cypriot castle also owes its popularity to an Englishman, though not to the king, but to the playwright - William Shakespeare. We are talking, of course, about the Othello Castle located in Famagusta. It was here, according to legend, that the Venetian commandant stabbed his wife, suspected of treason, to death. On the basis of this legend, the famous play about the jealous Moor and the unfortunate Desdemona was written. Currently, the castle houses the Othello Museum, dedicated to both real historical events and the history set out in Shakespeare's play.
Castles in Paphos: Paphos and Saranta Kolones
In the popular resort town of Paphos, there are two castles at once - made in the Ottoman style and preserved to this day, the Paphos castle and the ruins of Byzantine fortifications Saranta-Kolones Castle. The Paphos castle was founded by the descendants of the King of Jerusalem Lusignans near the ruins of Saranta-Kolones and during its seven hundred-year history it was rebuilt and reconstructed several times for current needs (the walls of the Paphos castle managed to visit not only defensive structures and a prison, but even a food warehouse). Now the castle is a museum, and the Paphos Aphrodite Festival is also held annually on its territory. Saranta Kolones has not been rebuilt since the devastating earthquake of 1222 and is now a ruin on the territory of the Paphos Archaeological Park.
Larnaca castle
Located in the capital of Cyprus, Larnaca Castle is very interesting due to its architecture, which is a vivid mixture of Ottoman and Romanesque styles. The good acoustics of the castle courtyard makes it possible to hold symphonic concerts under the shelter of the fortress walls. There is a historical museum on the second floor of the castle.
