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Paphos Castle

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description Paphos Castle Overview

Paphos Castle is a stone fort at the western end of the harbor of Paphos, Cyprus. The site succeeded earlier Byzantine defenses, while the surviving medieval structure was built by the Lusignans in the 13th century after an earthquake destroyed the earlier castle of Saranta Kolones. The Venetians dismantled the fortifications before the Ottoman conquest, and the Ottomans restored the remaining western tower in 1592. Its successive building phases make it relevant to the military history of Cyprus and to the study of medieval and Ottoman architecture.

help Paphos Castle FAQ

Where is Paphos Castle?

Paphos Castle stands at the western end of the harbor of Paphos in Cyprus. Its position directly beside the harbor reflects the site's long defensive role.

Who built the surviving medieval Paphos Castle?

The surviving medieval structure was built by the Lusignans in the 13th century. It replaced earlier Byzantine defenses at the harbor.

What happened to the earlier castle at Paphos?

An earthquake destroyed the earlier castle known as Saranta Kolones. The Lusignans later built the medieval structure associated with the surviving castle site.

Was Paphos Castle always a stone fort?

The site had earlier Byzantine defenses before the later medieval stone structure. Its history therefore includes several phases of harbor fortification rather than one unchanged building.

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