St. Hilarion Castle Audio guide

Mountain fortress above the pass

St. Hilarion Castle is one of the most important fortifications in northern Cyprus. It stands in the Kyrenia Mountains at a point from which the pass road from Kyrenia to Nicosia could be controlled. Together with the castles of Kantara and Buffavento, it formed part of a defensive system against Arab raids on the coast.

From Byzantine fortress to Lusignan residence

The core of the castle began to take shape from the 11th century in the Byzantine period. It was later modified by the Lusignans, who ruled Cyprus after the crusader conquest of the island. The fortress then served not only military purposes, but could also be used as a summer residence for the rulers. In the 13th century, the castle became the scene of a power struggle between Emperor Frederick II and the regent John of Ibelin over control of the island.

The layout of the complex

The complex is divided into three parts: the lower, middle, and upper outer wards. The lower and middle sections were of an economic character, while the upper outer ward protected the royal quarters. Stables, living quarters for the garrison, remains of the kitchen, and the royal chambers with a cistern have survived. Particular attention is drawn to the pointed Lusignan entrance and the carved windows in the upper palace, from which there is a wide view of the northern coast of Cyprus.

In the 15th century, the Venetians demolished much of the castle in order to reduce the cost of maintaining it and its garrison. It is precisely this late destruction that explains the castle's present appearance, even though it remains the best preserved ruin of the three mountain fortresses in this range.