Saranta Kolones Castle Ruins, Paphos, Cyprus

Saranta Kolones ('Forty Columns castle') is a ruined medieval fortress inside the Paphos Archaeological Park. It takes its name from the large number of granite columns that were found on the site and probably once formed part of the ancient agora. The Byzantine castle is believed to have been built at the end of the 7th century AD to protect the port and the city of Nea Pafos from Arab raids. It was later remodeled by the Lusignans in the early 1200s.

The fortress had a three-metre thick wall with four huge corner towers and another four intermediary towers along the joining walls and moat surrounding the castle. Access was across a wooden bridge spanning the moat. The square courtyard measured 35 metres long by 35 metres wide, with a tower at each corner. The main entrance was through a fifth, horseshoe-shaped tower on the east side. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1222, the castle was subsequently abandoned.

References:

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User Reviews

DAVID (6 months ago)
Cheap entry price. Lots to learn about and also a visitors centre (air conditioned). Lots to photograph. Would recommend taking some good foot wear….trainers. Due to quite a lot walking if you want to see the whole area….which is stony path ways. But definitely worth a visit.

Zlata GERGELOVA (2 years ago)
Important part of history that I was able to discover. Very hot in summer and early autumn. Well preserved arches.

Mohammed Malik (2 years ago)
This is such a beautiful place but make sure you go on a good day not when it’s raining. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes otherwise you will regret later. So much history.

Marin “SayanMk” Kolev (2 years ago)
Quite an interesting fortress if you have the power and durability for it. At least there is a shadow in the alley around.

Harry's Wanderlust (2 years ago)
Remains of a bycantine stronghold that shows the implementation of many old parts of the remains of earlier architecture. Compared to the older architecture it looks improvised and much less skilled, but it also had a completely different use.

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Saranta Kolones Castle Ruins

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