Paphos Castle

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos (Pafos) Castle was originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour. It was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, dismantled by the Venetians in 1570 during the Ottoman invasion and rebuilt by the Ottomans after they captured the island in the 16th century. Originally, this role was served by the Saranta Kolones fort, the ruins of which lie a few hundred meters to the north.

During its long history, the Pafos Castle was used, as well as for protection, as prison cells, and even as a storage area for salt when the island was a British colony. In 1935 it was declared an ancient monument and today is considered as one of the hallmarks of the Pafos region.

Many cultural events take place in the square just in front of the castle, while during September each year the Pafos Aphrodite Festival which presents a different opera every year staged here by world famous artists with the castle building usually acting as part of the scenery.

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Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Cyprus

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Sanka Illangakoon (2 years ago)
Small castle located in the Paphos harbour. The entry costs €2.50 and you can buy the tickets at the door. It's quite a small attraction so you can cover the entire place in 5-10 mins. If you're not afraid of heights, then you can visit the rooftop and experience the wonderful views. But you have to be careful on windy days like today when the wind can easily push you over the barriers as it's very intense up there.
Beth K (3 years ago)
Best enjoyed from the outside. There's a decent view from the top, but it wasn't worth the 2.50 entry fee. Inside the 'castle' is a small art exhibition and stairs to the rooftop, but there's not a great deal of interest. Fror the same price, you can visit The Tombs of the Kings, which is stunning in comparison.
Susan Willcock (3 years ago)
Small but perfectly formed. Contained an art display connected to the environment which was interesting. Not too much else to see inside and not much information about the castle and its history. Entrance fee was cheap though so well worth a visit. No gift shop, loos or cafe.
Šimon Skovajsa (3 years ago)
I had expected something more from this. If you want to see a castle with a capital C, come to Slovakia. This is something that was left from a castle and functions as a tiny little gallery which offers a nice view of the surrounding area from the top of the building. The ticket cost was 2,5€. I really feel like they shouldn't ask you for any money to enter this place.
James McMichael (3 years ago)
Entry is €2.50 per person, and it’s worth it for the views, and to look inside the castle. There’s a display on marine litter once you’re inside, and some information on the conservation of wildlife and the environment of Cyprus. Sadly there is nothing to tell you any history of the castle or the area, and you can’t access most of the interesting areas, cells, or the absolute top of the castle. For the fee it’s worth visiting.
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