- Address: Nicosia road, Kyrenia, Cyprus
- Phone: +90 392 227 2994
The castle of St. Hilarion is one of the most original castles in Cyprus . And we are talking not only about the features of its architecture, but also about the history of this building.
History of the castle
The castle of St. Hilarion in Cyprus was originally a monastery. The legend says that he was elevated to one of the first Christian bishops - Saint Illarion. After a long journey in search of a quiet place for life and prayers, he found himself at the Kireniisky range. The monk was so impressed by the picturesqueness of this place and his solitude that he decided to build his monastery exactly there. After the death of a monk his name remained to live in the name of this beautiful building.
The building was repeatedly rebuilt and changed its appearance until it turned into an impregnable castle. During the Byzantine-Arab wars, the castle was never captured. The secret of the inaccessibility of the fortress was covered in the features of its construction.
The castle of St. Hilarion was a collection of several parts or levels. If the enemy broke through to the first level, he immediately fell under the fire of soldiers from the second. Each tier of the castle is a ball specialized. In its lower part were located stables, utility rooms and barracks, on the upper levels - living rooms. Products and containers with water were distributed throughout the castle, and, therefore, the siege of its inhabitants could withstand a long.
The castle was actively used until a powerful siege weapon was invented. The last time for military purposes this building was used in the 1960s. Then on its territory was the base of the Turkish militia.
Modern life of the castle
Unfortunately, some of the rooms have not survived to this day. Nevertheless, we can still make a very clear idea of what the castle looked like. For example, Gothic arches, carved window openings and many decorative elements were perfectly preserved. Untouched time there were also towers which are visible from afar.
Now in some rooms of the castle there are installations that tell about the life of the royal family. And special tablets, meeting here and there, contain descriptions of individual objects.
At the top of the castle there is an observation deck, from where a delightful panorama opens. And for those who are tired after inspecting the castle, on the ground floor there is a café. It is believed that almost the best coffee in Cyprus is brewed here.
How to visit?
The Castle of St. Hilarion is located near Kyrenia . You can reach it by the road that runs from the highway Girne-Lefkosa. At the place of the desired turn is the pointer. From March to November, the castle can be visited from 8.00 to 17.00. From December to February - from 8.00 to 14.00.
We also recommend visiting the beautiful monasteries of Cyprus , such as the monastery of Stavrovouni , Kykkos , Maheras and many others. other
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