 |
Hıstory of Kyrenia’s Castle-cyprus
Author: Erkan Kilim  | Posted: 26-02-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 5 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
However, excavations carried out show that the original castle was fortified by the Byzantines in the 7th century A.D. to protect against Arab raids.King Richard the Lion Heart’s rule was not welcomed in Cyprus, so he sold the island to the Knights Templar, who in turn sold it to King-Consort Guy de Lusignan. Thus, Cyprus was under frankish rule for almost 300 years (1192-1489). The castle, which was originally very small, was enlarged and fortified between 1208 and 1211 by Lusignan King Jhon of D’lbeli.
In this period, Byzantine fortifications were reproduced and thus a new gateway, horseshoe and square-shaped towers, arrow loopholes, guards rooms and dungeons were added to the castle. It was thus used as a place of refuge in periods of war and as a place of recration in peaceful times.
The castle was badly damaged by Genoese attacks in 1973, but in 1489 Cyprus came under Venetian rule and hence the castle was modified and refortified in order to meet the new military threat posed by the use of gunpowder and large cannons, and thus took its current form with its large loopholed towers. It was surrounded by dikes, which had water in them until the 1400’s. The Lusignan three-lion-emblom on the inside of the vault was brought to the castle from a different building. Furthermore, there is a Byzantine Church (St. George’s Cgurch) from the 1100’s on castle grounds.
In 1571, the castle and the town surrendered to the victorious Ottomon army. The tomb of the Algerian Ottomon Admiral Sad?k Pasha, who died during the mentioned conquest, is still in the castle. All modifications added to the castle during the Ottoman perios were destroyed during the restoration completed during the time of British colonial rule.
The castle was used for touristic purposes from 1960 until 1963, and was only partly open for tourism from 1963 until 1974, as it was mainly used for military purposes by the Greek Cypriot National Guard. Since 1974 it has been open to public under the supervision of the Office of Antiquities and Museums.
BUILDINGS LOCATED IN KYRENIA CASTLE
Lusignan Tower: was built by John of Iselin in the years 1208-1211, on the remnants of the Byzantine fortifications. Byzantine, British, Lusignan,Venetian, Ottomon, and British military flags are exhibited in this tower.
St. George’s Church: is a Byzantine building from the 12th century. It was a free-standing building in the Byzantine and Lusignan period and made part of castle grounds in the Venetian period.
Cistern: was most probably constructed during the Lusignan period and provided water for the castle.
Dungeons: were constructed in the Lusignan period and witnessed many torturous acts under the rule of King Peter 1. Nowadays, there is an exhibition in one of these dungeons with a replica of a torture chamber.
Ship Wreck Museum: contains the wreck of one of the oldest ships ever salvaged. It is known to have belonged to the fleet of the Hellenistic Kingdom after Alexander’s death in the Mediterranean. It was discovered by a sponge diver in 1965, at a depth of 24 metres, 1.5 km from the shore, and salvaged in an expedition directed by a graduate student of the university of Pennsylvania.
Venetian Tower:reflects architecturel features typical in the 16th century Venetian period. Nowadays, it contains the exhibition of wax-figures of Venetian soldiers preparing to fire cannons, etc.
K?rn? Graveyard: an exhibition of excavations from the early and late Bronze Age found on a cemetery in the village K?rn?.
Mediterranean Graveyard Excavaions: exhibition of finds and models of cemeteries as they were customary during the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods.
Williom Dreghorn Exhibition and Conference Room: belongs to the Lusignan period and is an exhibition of authentic drawings with the theme ‘Kyrenia’ by William Dreghorn
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/hstory-of-kyrenias-castlecyprus-342446.html
About the Author:Write about cyprus, villages,love to write about Cyprus visiting village and historical places lots of information for cyprus visitors.
Northern Cyprus Hotels
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Bellapais Abbey - Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 26/02/2008 | Destinations
The beauty of Bellabaıs ıs legendary. When Lawrence Durrell bought a house here, he felt'guilty of an act of fearful temerity ın trying to settle in so fantastic a place’. Set ın the mountains just ten minutes above Girne, this magnificent 14th –century Crusader abbey with its fabulous location and pervasive atmosphere of calm is a must-see.
Christmas in Kyrenia
By: Erkan Kilim | 04/03/2008 | Destinations
It seems clear that the pilgrimage had some religious significance for these men; otherwise they would not have taken the trouble and risk of traveling so far in such a dangerous region. Some theologians have Balthazar as King of Persia; others suggest that there were twelve important visitors, but reduced them to three in western traditions, because of the three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Lemesos (limassol) - Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 31/03/2008 | Destinations
Leave the Limassol-Nicosia motorway at exit 24 and go onto the E128 to Germasogia. Tucked between a cliff face and a riverbed, this village’s narrow streets contain some fine old houses, several tavernas, and a country club.
Cyprus is Aphrodite’s Island
By: Erkan Kilim | 04/04/2008 | Destinations
Cyprus is a Mediterranean holiday island whose landscape, people, climate, and history offer visitors unsurpassed interest and charm, but it must guard against the overdevelopment that threatens some of its most scenic places. It must also work out a solution to the division between its Greek and Turkish communities.
Alsancak - Kyrenia - Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 25/02/2008 | Destinations
Alsancak is just one such of these, located 6 miles west of Kyrenıa town centre, the village has a lot often everyone.
Salamis - Famagusta - Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 27/02/2008 | Destinations
Ancient Salamis, the first city of Cyprus in classical Greek times, boasts some of the most impressive monuments to be found on the island. The pleasantly overgrown ruins lie among fragrant eucalyptus and acacia trees, alongside one of the island’s finest beaches, with excellent and safe swimming. Situated some 9km (6miles) north of Gazimağusa, it makes an easy visit and is readily accessible.
Nostalgic Tales About Lapta
By: Erkan Kilim | 11/03/2008 | Destinations
The town of Lapta is one of Northern Cyprus’s most beautiful and favoured locations. It is set on an area uniting the sea and the mountains and its unique natural beauty makes it one of the most selected holiday and leisure regions.
Why Buying Property in North Cyprus Makes Sound Financial Sense
By: Rhiannon Williamson | 28/07/2006 | Real Estate
North Cyprus is exceptional, it's beautiful, it's affordable and it is not going to remain a secret for very much longer...
Latest Destinations Articles
Travel: Travel for the Best Honeymoon
By: Nicholas Tan | 26/07/2008
Being on a yacht for your honeymoon cruise is indeed one perfect idea. For couples, it would be the best way of having the privacy and the quality time for each of them. To sail or travel about, as for pleasure or reconnaissance, a honeymoon cruise is of course, far more pleasurable than any form of such.
Travel: Travel and Sleep in the 5 Biggest Hotels in the World
By: Nicholas Tan | 26/07/2008
Does size really matter?
For food, it really does. The bulky it looks, the fuller you may become. Well, not at all times, right? There are these small yet heavy-for-the-stomach foods. For things, size is not really a big deal. Nowadays, the smaller your gadgets are, the hippest they may be. For people, the smaller you are, the more adorable you can be. For hotels? IT DOES.
Beijing, Beyond the Olympics
By: Mariam Ma | 25/07/2008
A look at the cultural attractions of Beijing beyond the Olympic Games.
How to Save Money on Your Australia Vacation
By: Phoenix Delray | 25/07/2008
This article tells that Australia have a cheap places.
Save Money With a Cabin Rental In Gatlinburg
By: Joe Mueller | 25/07/2008
Saving money on vacation is important. Renting a cabin is a nice way to do that.
Goa Tourism: Embarking on the Colorful Journey
By: Rohan Arora | 25/07/2008
Goa has made it to the list of the foremost tourist destinations in India, especially when it comes to entertainment. The state has a cosmopolitan culture where Konkanese, Indian and Portuguese cultures have come together to form a wonderful mix. As a tourist in Goa, you will be delighted to find a large number of accommodation options all around the state
Brief Information About Animal Kingdom Tickets and Arabian Nights Tickets
By: Ricky Martin | 25/07/2008
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the vast area which covers seven different distinct regions. Discovery Island is in Center and it is surrounded by Oasis, Camp Minnie Mickey, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A. These seven districts feature several adventures like wild adventures, exciting treks and animal encounters.
Orlando Flex Tickets Can Bring You to Busch Gardens
By: Ricky Martin | 25/07/2008
What is Orlando Flex Tickets? It is the collection of tickets of different parks of Orlando. Such a ticket has been issued never before. Just check out the parks those are attached together.
More from Erkan Kilim
Offshore Economy – Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 24/04/2008 | Destinations
Economic growth differs on either side of the demarcation line, for while a similar base sustains each part, the Greek Cypriot sector generates three times its negihbour’s wealth. Both utilize their geographical situation to provide offshore centres for banking.
Cyprus is Nature
By: Erkan Kilim | 04/04/2008 | Destinations
The reward for turning your back on the beach is a glimpse of another Cyprus, one far removed in spirit from the heavily developed resorts that crowd sections of the coast. With scarcely a backward glance at the turquoise shimmer of the warm Mediterranean, the adventurous spirit heads for the hills.
Cyprus is Aphrodite’s Island
By: Erkan Kilim | 04/04/2008 | Destinations
Cyprus is a Mediterranean holiday island whose landscape, people, climate, and history offer visitors unsurpassed interest and charm, but it must guard against the overdevelopment that threatens some of its most scenic places. It must also work out a solution to the division between its Greek and Turkish communities.
Troodos and the Solea Valley – Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 01/04/2008 | Destinations
Leave the Lemesos –Pafos motorway at the exit for Ypsonas and Kouris Dam and head for the dam. Mount Olympus is ahead as you drive through wild olives and Aleppo pines to the west of the reservoir, following signs for Alassa. Go left onto the B8 to Trimiklini, a village thriving on the production of almonds and fruit. At the major crossroads, go right onto the E801.
Lemesos (limassol) - Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 31/03/2008 | Destinations
Leave the Limassol-Nicosia motorway at exit 24 and go onto the E128 to Germasogia. Tucked between a cliff face and a riverbed, this village’s narrow streets contain some fine old houses, several tavernas, and a country club.
Lefkara Area – Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 28/03/2008 | Destinations
This village, which has rural accommodation in renovated village houses, is to your left before you climb the chalky ridge to Lefkara.
Go right at the signpost to Kato Lefkara and drive to the village centre. Wandering the meandering streets of the tiny village reveals good example of the area’s architecture: houses built with horizontal layers of limestone interspersed with pebbles.
Larnaka West Coast - Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 28/03/2008 | Destinations
The Hala sultan Tekke stands surrounded by palms and cedars overlooking the Salt Lake.
It is one of the most important shrines in Islam and is reputed to be the burial place of Umm Haram, a relative of the Prophet Mohammed who was killed in a fall from her horse during an Arab raid in the 7th century AD.
Countryside Activities – Cyprus
By: Erkan Kilim | 26/03/2008 | Destinations
It is now possible to walk the length of Europe, thanks to the European E4 long distance path, Starting in Gibraltar, the path traverses Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece; then it is a short air trip to Crete and on to Cyprus.
|
|
Travel 
