Paphos Castle

Paphos Castle is located on the edge of Paphos harbour.

Paphos Castle
(Greek: Κάστρο της Πάφου, Turkish: Baf Kalesi)
Location within Cyprus
General information
Architectural styleMedieval
Town or cityPaphos
Country Cyprus
Coordinates34.75367°N 32.406911°E / 34.75367; 32.406911

It was originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour. It was then rebuilt by the Lusignans in the thirteenth century after being destroyed in the earthquake of 1222. In 1570 it was dismantled by the Venetians. After capturing the island, the Ottomans restored and strengthened it. Throughout the ages it has seen many uses. It has served as a fortress, a prison and even a warehouse for salt during the British occupation of the island. More recently the castle serves as a backdrop to the annual open air Paphos cultural festival which takes place in September.[1]

It was declared a listed building in 1935 and represents one of the most distinctive landmarks of the city of Paphos. Several archaeological excavations have taken place to investigate its past.[2]

Currently the castle is being used as a touristic attraction, and occasionally features thematic exhibitions. Entrance fee is €2.50, visiting hours are 8:30-17:00 on winter and 8:30-19:30 during the summer. The castle is not currently accessible for people who use a wheelchair [3]

References
  1. "The Paphos Aphrodite festival". Paphos Municipality. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
  2. Megaw, Arthur (1972). "Supplementary Excavations on a Castle Site at Paphos, Cyprus, 1970-1971". Dumbarton Oaks Papers. Dumbarton Oaks, Trustees for Harvard University. 26: 322–343. doi:10.2307/1291325. JSTOR 1291325.
  3. "Medieval castle of Pafos - A castle which was rebuilt several times during the diverse history of Cyprus". www.cyprusalive.com. Retrieved 2019-05-07.
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