Kyrenia/Girne

Kyrenia is steeped in history with many different influences. Byzantine settlers built the magnificent castle that dominates the Harbour in the 7th century to protect the city from Arab invaders. The castle was later enlarged and fortified by the Lusignans and the Venetians.

The British built a harbour and Quay as the town was used a resting place for officers, Captains and their families, where they could enjoy the picturesque and romantic harbour and the leisurely atmosphere. The horseshoe shaped harbour is bordered by what use to be Carob warehouses, these warehouses have now become home to the many Bars and restaurants. Traditional fishing boats and sleek yachts and excursion boats are moored in the harbour. The harbour is a favourite evening destination with locals and visitors where a drink or meal can be enjoyed in the picturesque setting.

The town is most popular both among foreign holidaymakers and those deciding to make a permanent home on the island. The attractive resort has many interesting historic places to visit, including the shipwreck museum, which forms part of the Kyrenia archaeology museum where the wreck of a trading vessel thought to be from 300 BC is, displayed along side some of the original cargo and equipment. The ship discovered by archaeologists and recovered in the late 1960's is believed to be the earliest trading vessel yet discovered. Findings suggest the ship from Syria sank in a storm 1 mile north of Kyrenia with a crew of just four.

Just off the Harbour is the museum of folk arts. The museum building is an excellent example of a traditional Cypriot house. The museum on 3 floors displays local utensils, embroideries, tablecloths and head covers, and the third floor has been designed as typical Cypriot living room with bed, divan and other traditional furniture. Also worth a visit is the oldest church in the city, which is next door to the museum. The Chysopolitissa church adds gothic style beauty of the harbour.

Other museums include the Icon museum which is housed in the Arhangelos Mihail church which was built in 1860, the museum displays icons from the 18 th century, the fine arts museum converted to a museum in 1975 has a variety of displays from needlework, paintings and porcelain from the far east and Europe.

Another top attraction is St Hilarion castle, named after a saint that escaped the Arab conquest of Jerusalem and moved to Cyprus, where he lived and died in a cave at the top of the mountain. In the 10 th century a church and monastery were built on the site. During the Lusignan period the monastery was enlarged and turned into a castle and used for both residential and military purposes. The royal palace was built between two hilltops. The Queens' window situated on the west wall of the palace is gothic window that offers spectacular views of the village of Karmi and the coast.