The original castle was probably built by the Byzantines in 700A.D and dominates Kyrenia Harbour. Additions were made by the Lusignans and the Venetions. The Ottomans took control in 1570 and it remained in their hands for about 300 years. During the British Colonial administration it was used as a prison and was opened to visitors in 1963. At this time it was also used by the Greek National Guard as a military headquarters for seamen. Within the castle is the Shipwreck Museum which holds an ancient trading ship and its cargo. The ship sailed the Mediterranean during the times of Alfred the Great and sank just off the coast of Kyrenia. In the 13th and 14th centuries the harbour would have been guarded by chains which were lowered into the sea when enemy ships were sighted. The chain tower still sands in the middle of the harbour.

Of course you have to see the castle when you are in Kyrenia. The king Petrus I left Cyprus to visit Poland, which was then famous from its great feasts and beautiful women. His descendant even wanted to marry a polish princess, but eventually she died before the messenger got to Poland.
Don't forget to try their traditional cheese with Efes beer.

almost empty but well mainteined and interesting, there is a very old vessel in one of the room to not miss