Table of Contents
Introduction
The island of Cyprus has a long and storied history, with traces of human settlement dating back over 10,000 years. Its strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean situated it along major trade routes, though it also left it vulnerable to numerous invasions and occupations throughout antiquity and the medieval period. The rivalries of great powers competing to control Cyprus led to the construction of elaborate castles and fortifications across the island. While many of these historic structures now lie in ruins, they serve as poignant reminders of Cyprus’s complex past.
The Lusignan Era
In 1192, Cyprus was conquered by Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. He promptly sold the island to the Knights Templar, who in turn sold it to French crusaders led by Guy de Lusignan. The Lusignan dynasty would rule Cyprus for the next three centuries, transforming it into a western feudal kingdom. With a tenuous grip on power, the Lusignans invested heavily in fortifying the island with castles and walls.
One of the most impressive Lusignan castles is Kolossi Castle, located in southwest Cyprus. Built in the early 13th century, Kolossi originally served as the headquarters of the Knights of Saint John. The present structure dates to 1454, with well-preserved outer walls and an imposing cylindrical keep. Now considered one of the finest examples of military architecture in Cyprus, Kolossi still conveys the might of the Lusignans at their zenith.
Venetian Fortifications
Cyprus fell to the Venetians in 1489, who sought to bolster the island’s defenses against the expanding Ottoman Empire. The new overlords modified existing castles left by the Lusignans, while also constructing additional fortifications. Famagusta and Kyrenia on the coast were transformed into heavily fortified port cities. Between 1567-1570, Venetian engineers built new walls, bastions, and other defensive works around Famagusta to guard against the looming Ottoman threat.
The Impact of Time
While Lusignan and Venetian fortifications once protected Cyprus for centuries, most now stand largely in ruins. After the Ottoman conquest in the 16th century, many castles were abandoned and left to gradually decay over time. Nature has also taken its toll, as wind, weather, and seismic activity eroded stone walls and caused collapse. However, increased efforts in recent decades have aimed to preserve these important heritage sites through restoration and stabilization projects. Though lost to their original use, the castles still hold tremendous archaeological, historical, and cultural value for Cyprus.
Notable Extant Sites
Though many great castles of Cyprus’s medieval period have crumbled over time, a few intact sites give a glimpse of past glory:
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Buffavento Castle – Perched dramatically on a mountainside in northern Cyprus, its name means “challenger of the winds”. Hard to access, it provided a well-protected stronghold.
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Kantara Castle – Offering sweeping coastal views in north Cyprus, this castle guarded an important mountain pass. Its large sandstone halls and photos are striking