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Kyrenia Castle: A Coastal Fortress Through Time

Explore Kyrenia Castle: a historic Cyprus fortress with a shipwreck museum, dungeons, and stunning harbor views.

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Kyrenia Castle, or Girne Kalesi, is a commanding 16th-century fortress built by the Venetians on earlier Crusader foundations. Located on the harbor's edge in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus, it has witnessed over 800 years of Cypriot history. Explore its walls to discover a 12th-century chapel, a shipwreck museum, dungeons, and panoramic sea views.

A brief summary to Girne (Kyrenia) Castle

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the castle involves walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Don't miss the Shipwreck Museum, home to one of the oldest recovered ships.
  • Walk the ramparts for panoramic views of Kyrenia harbor and the Mediterranean Sea.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Kyrenia's main bus station on Mustafa Çağatay Cd, head towards the harbor. Walk along the main road with the sea on your left. Continue until you reach the castle entrance at the harbor's end. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take a dolmuş (shared minibus) to Kyrenia harbor. Dolmuşes are frequent and display their destinations. From the harbor dolmuş stop, the castle entrance is a short walk. Dolmuş fares within Kyrenia range from 2.50 TL to 5 TL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Kyrenia. Negotiate the fare before starting your trip. A short taxi ride from the city center to Kyrenia Castle should cost approximately $32 to $64. Taxis can be found at taxi stands or hailed on the street.

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Discover more about Girne (Kyrenia) Castle

Kyrenia Castle, also known as Girne Kalesi, is a historic fortress that has stood guard over Kyrenia harbor for centuries. Originally built by the Byzantines in the 7th century to defend against Arab raids, the castle has been modified and expanded by various rulers, including the Lusignans, Venetians, and Ottomans. Each era has left its mark, creating a unique blend of architectural styles and historical significance. As you enter the castle, you'll pass through a stone bridge over what was once a moat. Within the walls, discover a 12th-century chapel with reused late Roman capitals, reflecting the island's layered past. The Shipwreck Museum houses the remains of a Greek merchant ship that sank off the coast around 300 BC, offering a glimpse into Kyrenia's maritime history. Explore the castle's dungeons, where prisoners were once held, and climb the ramparts for stunning views of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle's strategic importance is evident in its massive Venetian-built towers and gun ports, designed to withstand attacks from both land and sea. The Ottomans also left their mark, with the tomb of Admiral Sadik Pasha located within the castle. Today, Kyrenia Castle stands as a testament to Cyprus's rich and complex history, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the layers of civilization that have shaped this island.

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