Castles Of North Cyprus

DURING a visit to Cyprus last week I was able to visit the three castles that dominate the Kyrenia mountain range in the north of the island.

Perhaps most famous is St Hilarion Castle, which lies 725 metres above sea level.

Lofty stronghold ... St Hilarion Castle

The peak was apparently originally the home of an obscure hermit - not to be confused with Hilarion the Great - who fled persecution in the Holy Land.

A Byzantine monastery and church were built in the 900s, followed by a watch tower designed to give advance warning of Muslim raids.

I see no ships

It was later expanded into a major fortification, the first known reference to which is from the late 1000s.

Subsequent rulers included French Lusignan Crusader kings, who used the castle as a summer retreat from the heat of the plains.

Climbing to the top - this view is roughly halfway up - makes for a decent workout

The castle included cisterns, and quarters for animals as well as the garrison.

How life may have looked

Cyprus was later ruled by the Venetians, who abandoned the heights in favour of a defensive strategy based on guarding the coasts.

Kite shield with Lusignan lions rampant

Walking down from St Hilarion Castle is less exhausting but at times a lot trickier than walking up to it.

Taking the long view - part of the upper castle walls can just be seen between two rocky peaks

(to be continued)