Kyrenia Northern Cyprus
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Kyrenia is situated on the northern coast of Cyprus. With its 6000 year long history, unique remains of countless civilizations, miles of natural beaches, crystal- clear sea, and mild climate is an idyllic Mediterranean town. Bounded by the Besparmak mountain range, it offers very beautiful scenery. Kyrenia charming harbor is full of yachts and fishing boats. With the backdrop of the mountains behind and the sparkling sea in front, the harbor has an intoxicatingly serene atmosphere. Kyrenia is an easy place to while away any time of the day, exploring shops, markets and local cafes.
Settlement in the Kyrenia area goes back to Neolithic times, and under the influence of the Anatolian coastal civilisations during the Bronze Age, the population of the region grew. Until 312 BC Kyrenia was an independent city kingdom but was then taken over by Salamis. The name is thought to date back to that time when Ptolemy! King of Salamis, referred to the town as 'Keravnia' which means Aphrodite with the Thunderbolt.
During Roman times, Kyrenia was a Christian city even before it had become the official religion of the Roman Empire. In 1571 the Ottomans conquered Kyrenia without firing a single shot.
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Places to See in Kyrenia Northern Cyprus |
Antiphonitis Monastery |
Bellapais Abbey |
Buffavento Castle |
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| The fresco Covered walls of the Antiphonitis Monastery, located in the middle of the forest, are very interesting.The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was built in the 12th C, however the narthex to its west and gallery to its South were added later by the Lusignans.A sturdy vehicle is needed in order to visit this outlying Monastery, but it is well worth the visit. |
The remains of an exquisite Gothic building in the beautiful mountain village of Bellapais are what are left of building built by ,Augustinian monks in 1025 AD. Originally known as the 'Abbey of Our Lady of the Mountains', the Franks renamed it 'Lapais'.In time it became known as 'Abbeye de la Paix '.It Is now the scene of many wonderful concerts and vantage point to view countless beautiful sunsets. |
At an altitude of 954 metres Buffavento meaning wind defying,was originaly built as a watchtower against Arab raids by the Byzantines. It was later converted into a castle by Lusignans, who more generally used it as a prison rather than a military stronghold.Although little of the original building remains, a visit is worth it if only for the magnificent vistas from the site. |
Kyrenia Castle |
Old Kyrenia Harbour |
The Icon Museum |
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| The impressive Castle on the eastern corner of the harbour was begun in the 7th C by the Byzantines in order to protect the city againts Arab raids.Additional construction during the Lusignan and Venetian periods further enlarged and fortified the castle.In order the escape the damage that was visited upon both Nicosia and Famagusta by the raiding Ottomans. |
The horseshoe shaped harbour is the focal point of the town.The historical harbour, with is colorful fishing boats and yachts and is lively bars and cafes is the heart of Kyrenia, both for locals and tourists. |
The Archangelos Church, located around the corner and up the slight hill from the historical harbour, was built in 1860 and is definitelly worth seeing.A tower that was added after the church was built is a symbol that can be seen as a point of reference from every part of Kyrenia.The museum houses the many splendid icons that were collected from Kyrenia and its environs. |
The Museum of Folk Arts |
The Shipwreck Museum |
St.Hilarion Castle |
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| With in the historical yacht port of Kyrenia, an 18th C house now serves as the museum. Olive oil presses, primitive ploughs, cubes, a wooden threshing sled, agricultural tools, a loom and pulley wheels are on exhibition. Up the wooden stairs from the entrance hall are historic garments, table cloths, head scarves,woolen socks, wedding dresses, carved trousseau chests, silver embroidered bedcovers,cushions, bedsteads, wooden boards and window rolldownshutters can be seen. |
The shipwreck, 14.75 metres long and 4.4 metres wide and displayed in one of the rooms of the Castle, is the oldest shipwreck ever discovered. The findings suggest that the ship which sank off the coast of Kyrenia in the 3rd C BC with a cargo of nearly 400 amphorae of supplies and foodstuffs. |
Rumoured to be the inspiration fort the Disney film 'Fantasia', this castle sits atop the mountains overlooking Kyrenia.The site was originally the home of the hermit 'Hilarion' upon which a monastery was built in his honour.The third in a protective line, was built on the mountain tops to protect againts attacks from the seafaring Arabs. |
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