Forty Columns Fortress, Troodos Travel Guide

Saranta Kolones, meaning "Forty Columns" in Greek, is a ruined castle that stands as a testament to Paphos's strategic importance throughout history. Located just north of Paphos Harbour, within the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, the castle's name derives from the numerous granite columns discovered on site, believed to have been part of the ancient agora.Constructed in the late 7th century AD, the Byzantine fortress was built to protect the city and its port from Arab invasions. It was later remodeled by the Lusignan dynasty, who possibly strengthened the structure around 1200. The castle was encircled by a formidable three-meter-thick wall, reinforced with eight towers and a protective moat, with access granted via a wooden bridge. The square courtyard measured 35 meters in length and width, featuring a tower at each corner and a horseshoe-shaped main entrance on the east side.Unfortunately, the castle's lifespan was cut short when a devastating earthquake struck in 1222, leaving it in ruins and leading to its eventual abandonment. Subsequent rulers opted to construct a new citadel on the western side of the harbor, now known as Paphos Castle.Today, Saranta Kolones is part of the Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ruins, imagining the castle's former grandeur and appreciating its historical significance. Excavations have revealed insights into the castle's construction and use, with ceramic and coin finds suggesting Lusignan-era construction and a molasses vessel indicating sugar production before the earthquake.