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Saranta Kolones Castle: Ruins of a Crusader Fortress

Explore the ruins of Saranta Kolones, a medieval fortress in Paphos, Cyprus, offering a glimpse into the island's rich and turbulent history.

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Saranta Kolones, or Forty Columns, is a ruined medieval fortress located within the Paphos Archaeological Park, near Paphos Harbour. Built originally in the 7th century to defend against Arab raids and later modified by the Lusignans, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1222. Today, the ruins offer a glimpse into the island's turbulent past.

A brief summary to Forty Columns Fortress

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is uneven and requires some walking to explore the ruins.
  • Bring water and sun protection, especially during the hot summer months, as there is limited shade.
  • Combine your visit with other sites in the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park for a comprehensive historical experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Saranta Kolones is located within the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, just north of Paphos Harbour. From the harbor area, follow the coastal path north towards the archaeological park entrance. Once inside the park, the ruins of Saranta Kolones are easily accessible via well-marked paths. The walk from Paphos Harbour to Saranta Kolones is short and straightforward, taking approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the Kato Paphos area, with frequent services from Paphos Old Town (Karavella Bus Station) and other parts of the city. Alight at the Paphos Harbour bus stop, then walk north towards the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park entrance. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 5-10 minute walk to Saranta Kolones. A single bus ticket within Paphos costs €2 during the day or €3 at night. A 24-hour ticket is available for €6.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Paphos. Ask your driver to take you to the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, near Paphos Harbour. The journey from most locations in Paphos city center will be relatively short and inexpensive. Taxi fares in Paphos start at €3.42 during the day (06:00 to 20:30) and €4.36 at night (20:30 to 06:00), with a per-kilometer rate of €0.73 during the day and €0.85 at night. A short taxi ride from the harbor to Saranta Kolones should cost around €5-€8.

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Discover more about Forty Columns Fortress

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.

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