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CASTLES IN NORTH CYPRUS
A closer look at the three mountain-top Crusader Castles of
North Cyprus
Tour with me as we travel back in time to lofty heights of
crenulated walls; fortifications carved into the very
bedrock of the inland mountain and hillside ranges of North
Cyprus. Towering high, in almost impossible and unnatural
balance, proudly stand the three crusader Castles of
St.Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara. All were constructed in
Byzantine times, as part of the chain of defence against the
Arab raids
Each with its own identity and particular story to tell, so
let us take a closer look.
Kantara :
THE HOUSE OF 101 ROOMS
We will being our journey at the furthermost point, some 77
km from the centre of Kyrenia, along the meandering and
twisty coastline road, eastwards, eastwards. Turning inland
from Kaplica, you can see Kantara Castle beckoning you in
encouragement.
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A drive of half and hour, or so
will bring you to the summit of the ridge. After
travelling through the small village of Kantara itself,
you will reach the castle walls. Here you will pay a
small entrance fee. If, on the other hand, you are
travelling from Gazimagosa, the direct route is via
Ardahan and Iskele.
Although Kantara is the lowest of the three bastions, at
only 724m above sea level, it still unique, and has it own
mysteries. Some may even say that it is the least exciting
as access is relatively easy. But, on a clear day, it has
the most stupendous views of all, standing as it does, a
pinnacle of fortification, with a 360-degree panorama.
If you arrive on a clear morning, it is possible to see a
cross both sides of Karpaz peninsula or panhandle. onto the
distance mountains of Turkey
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In winter, some have been able to see snows of Lebanon, over
160 km away. The best views are to be gained from the summit
of the North East, The highest constructed point. Which can
be reached by those physically able and happy to heights.
THE GHOSTLY QUEEN
All ancient buildings are surrounded in folklore and tales
of times past, and perhaps that is why they continue to
charm and intrigue us. Kantara is no exception. The Muslims
referred to this castle as the "House of 101 rooms"
The belief was that if someone entered the one hundred and
first room, they arrived in paradise, unable to return
through the door to the castle. A further Legend is told by
the local villagers. Since the abandonment of the castle.
over 500 years ago, they claim to have seen the figure of a
queen, sitting and framed by the Gothic window, looking out
over country. In the 19th century. she shard the castle with
a hermit called Simeon for over 50 years. To the local
people, she still does. Kantara Castle, in its heyday was
home to the feudal Lusignan lords, princes and counts who
enjoyed the exotic pleasures of the Mediterranean. Hunting
with hounds and tamed leopards was a popular pastime around
the hilltop area. The castle has also been the scene of
execution and imprisonment.
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