| |
| |
| |
| To
protect the north coast of Cyprus and the main passes
leading south,, the Byzantines built three mighty fortresses
high up in the Kyrenia Mountains. All three were remodelled
and much strengthened by the Lusignan kings who ruled
the island for 300 years during the Middle Ages (1186-1489). |
| |
|
View
of St. Hilarion from my hotel balcony in Kyrenia |
| |
|
View
of Kyrenia from St. Hilarion |
| |
|
St. Hilarion was built on three levels— the lowest
housed the men-at-arms and provided stabling for the
horses; the middle one had the chapel and banqueting
hall; while the upper was the summer residence of the
Lusignan kings. When the Venetians took over the island,
they decided these castles were too expensive to maintain
and dismantled them. |
| |
|
Looking
up at the middle terrace of the castle |
| |
|
Main
Gate from the middle terrace |
| |
| The
middle level is reached by way of a massive gate that
was originally approached by means of a drawbridge.
A tunnel took you on to the upper battlements while
a flight of steps next to it led up to the chapel. The
latter is still relatively well-preserved and is surrounded
by various cellars, kitchens and dining halls. |
| |
|
Tunnel
& Steps to the Chapel |
Interior
of the Chapel |
|
| |
|
Looking
back at the middle terrace |
| |
| The
royal apartments are at the top of a fairly steep path.
A partially collapsed gallery, popularly known as the
“Queen’s Window”, looks north to the
sea. |
| |
|
The
“Queen’s Window” |
| |
|
Defending
the Battlements |
The
Uppermost Tower |
|
| |
| |
|
