Sites of Interest in Northern Cyprus
North Cyprus is a treasure chest of mediaeval castles, abbeys, amphitheatres, and monuments offering a wealth of interest to both amateur and professional historians and archaeologists.
Salamis
5 miles north of Famagusta, dating back to 1100 BC, the exterior ruins of this ancient city represent North Cyprus's most impressive historical site. The best preserved remains are the gymnasium, Roman baths and the spectacular Roman Amphitheatre, which is one of the largest in the Eastern Mediterranean seating 20,000 spectators.
Bellapais Abbey
Situated in the hills overlooking the northern coastline, some 5 miles east of Kyrenia. Bellapais Abbey and Church were founded by Augustine monks around 1250 AD and represent some of the finest mediaeval gothic architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean. The sleepy village of Bellapais with its "Tree of Idleness" was home to the famous British writer Lawrence Durell for two years and its charm has been immortalized in his novel "Bitter Lemons".
St Hilarion Castle
Perched high on a promontory four miles south of Kyrenia, this spectacular fairy tale castle is the best preserved of all three. A wild dramatic maze of fortifications, it was built by Byzantines around 1100 AD, conquered by Richard the Lionheart in 1191 AD and dismantled by the Venetians.
Buffavento Castle
The highest of the three Byzantine castles and the hardest to reach. Situated 930 metres above sea level in the mountains, it is 15 miles by road to the south-east of Kyrenia. A system of flares linked the castle by night with St Hilarion and Kantara.
Kantara Castle
The most easterly of the castles, standing at the gateway of the Karpas peninsula, some 25 miles north -east of Famagusta. Although only 700 metres above sea level, it affords marvellous panoramic views of both the northern and southern coastlines and its ruins are the epitome of romantic seclusion.
Kyrenia (Girne) Castle
Founded by the Byzantines in the 10th century, improved by the Lusignans in the 13th century and later re-fortified by the Venetians, the huge castle with its thick walls and massive bastions dominates the pretty harbour. It also houses a museum with the remains of one of the world's oldest shipwrecks (300 BC) ever recovered, complete with its cargo.
Soli
Some 35 miles west of Lefkosa (Nicosia) on the outskirts of Gemikonagi are the ruins of the City of Soli . Dating mainly from the Roman period, the main attractions are the 3,500 seat amphitheatre and the beautifully preserved mosaic floor of the basilica.
Vouni Palace
A further 5 miles beyond Soli is the ruined palace of Vouni, which was built about 480 BC for one of the kings of Cyprus. Originally consisting of some 137 rooms, the palace was built on three levels on the cliffs overlooking Guzelyurt Bay. Recent excavations at the site have yielded many important historic finds.
