KYRENIA
KYRENIA
Kyrenia is a picturesque city located on the northern coast of Cyprus, known for its rich history, natural beauty and opportunities. The city has a well-preserved medieval castle and a port that dates back to Byzantine times, which were major tourist attractions. Kyrenia also has a charming old town with its traditional architecture, narrow streets and a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes. The fact that the city is surrounded by the beautiful Kyrenia mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea makes it a popular destination for hiking, swimming, sailing and other outdoor activities. Kyrenia is also a popular destination for real estate investment and retirement, with a growing expatriate community. With its rich history, possibilities and natural beauties, Kyrenia is a must-see destination for anyone who comes to Cyprus or intends to live in Cyprus.
Blue Mansion
Located on the Girne Güzelyurt road, close to the Middle East Technical University, Mavi Köşk amazes those who see it with its magnificent story, the magnificence of all its rooms and its architecture. His story is just as impressive. The owner of the Blue Mansion is Pablo Pavilides, a lawyer of Greek origin and the largest arms dealer in the Middle East. Pavilides had this mansion specially built. The house he built to make arms smuggling more comfortable sees every corner of the valley; but it’s not visible from below. Mavi Köşk, which is quite luxurious according to the conditions of the period, still preserves its originality with all the furniture inside. Each part of the mansion, which has many rooms, is separated according to the purpose of use. The most remarkable rooms are; These are the rooms separated by the colors blue, red and yellow. Pavilides used to conduct mob talks in the red room. While the blue room is used as a guest room; The yellow room is reserved for guest children. As well as important items in the mansion; The tables are also very interesting. At the same time, the curtains of the house are soundproofed.
Kyrenia Castle
Kyrenia Castle is a medieval castle located in the port city of Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. It is believed to have been built by the Byzantines in the 7th century AD and later occupied by the Lusignans, Venetians, and Ottomans. The castle offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Shipwreck Museum, also known as the Kyrenia Ship Museum, is a unique underwater archeology museum that displays the remains of a ship sunk in the sea off the coast of Kyrenia in ancient times. The ship is believed to be a merchant ship and is thought to date back to the 4th century BC. Lifted from the seabed in the 1980s, the ship is now on display in a specially constructed hall within the fort. The exhibit includes a variety of items found on the ship, including pottery, glassware, and metal tools.
St. Hilarion Castle
St. Hilarion Castle is a medieval castle located in the Kyrenia mountain range in northern Cyprus. It is thought that the castle was built by the Byzantines in the 10th century, and later occupied by the Lusignans and Venetians. It was named after a monk who lived in a nearby cave in the 4th century AD. The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular tourist attraction. It is also a UNESCO temporary world heritage site and an important cultural and historical monument of Cyprus. Visitors can explore the castle’s many towers, halls and courtyards and admire the impressive architecture and beautiful views of the coast and mountain. It’s also a great spot for hiking, as it offers a variety of trails for different difficulty levels.
Buffavento Castle
Buffavento Castle is a medieval castle located in the Kyrenia mountain range in northern Cyprus. It is one of the three castles that make up the “Kyrenia Castle complex” together with the St. Hilarion and Kantara castles. The name Buffavento means “wind-defying” in Italian and is perched high in the mountain range, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is thought that the castle was built by the Byzantines in the 10th century and was later occupied by the Lusignans and Venetians. Visitors can explore the castle’s many towers, halls and courtyards and admire the impressive architecture and beautiful views of the coast and mountain. The castle is also a great place for hiking, as it offers a variety of trails for different difficulty levels. Buffavento Castle is an important cultural and historical monument of Cyprus and is a UNESCO temporary world heritage site.
Hazrat Omer Tomb and Mosque
One of the most visited religious sites in Cyprus is the Tomb of Hazrat Ömer, on the coast of Çatalköy, four kilometers east of Kyrenia. The unassuming monument sits on the summit of a rocky promontory almost at water level, the site and its scenery offer beautiful moments of contemplation.
A small mosque preserves seven tombs, the true contents of which are obscure, dedicated to the venerable Muslim saint Omar and his friends. Numerous legends are told about Ömer and his friends, the common point of which is that the men sacrificed their lives in the fight against the Byzantines or the pirates. Through the ages, Arab piracy in pursuit of slaves and other goods has posed a constant threat to coastal inhabitants in Cyprus and throughout the Mediterranean.
Bellapais Monastery
Also known as the “Monastery of Our Lady of the Bells”, Bellapais Monastery is a medieval gothic monastery located in the picturesque village of Bellapais in the Kyrenia region of Northern Cyprus. Built in the 13th century, the abbey was once an educational and cultural center on the island, home to the community of Augustinian Churches, and famous for its writing hall, where many important manuscripts were produced. The monastery was also a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning architecture and beautiful views of the coast and the Beşparmak Mountains. Visitors can explore the Abbey’s church, cloister and other buildings, enjoy the peaceful gardens and enjoy the view from the terrace.