Kyrenia harbour
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The historic Kyrenia harbour is situated on Northern Cyprus and has a 6,000 year long history, dating back to the time of the Byzantines. The harbour is a small but charming place, where one will find everything from calm ambiance and soothing atmosphere to beautiful views and stunning surroundings. The harbour is appreciated for its natural beauty. In its heyday it was lined with warehouses, stored with fruits of the countryside whilst they awaited export. There has been a settlement at Kyrenia since the 10th century BC, but the harbour today was shaped most by the Venetians.
At the entrance to the harbour is the Byzantine Kyrenia castle which has been influenced by the Lusignans and then the Venetians amongst others. Originally built as a roman fort, the impressive castle is stacked full of history and is now home to an informative museum which houses the oldest shipwreck in the world dating back to the 16th century. [1]
[edit] Kyrenia – Port and Marinas
The history of Kyrenia harbour dates back to the 10th century BC but its shape as we know it today only came about during Venetian times. It was in 1489 that the Venetians changed the island and the harbour to protect it against invasion. In 1489 Kyrenia was a very important port and it was therefore necessary to protect it.
Kyrenia castle guards the harbor and its towers mark the entrance to the harbour. There is also a Marine Marty’s Monument on the opposite side of the harbor entrance which helps to guide sailors. The custom house is located in the west corner of the harbour and in ancient times a chain gate was stretched across the entrance to prevent enemy ships from entering the harbour.
[edit] Kyrenia Castle
Kyrenia Castle has been standing since the 7th Century and many believe it was built to protect the town against raids from the Arab lands. Throughout the centuries, Kyrenia Castle has undergone many restorations especially during the Lusignan period. Built during an era of knights and archery the castle was designed with this in mind. During reconstruction in 1489 the castle was remodelled to coincide with the artillery era. Two towers were also added but in 1570 the castle was once again under siege and taken over by the Ottomans. Like any castle built for protection, Kyrenia castle is entered via a bridge built over a moat which was until the 1400s filled with water.
