Crusader Castles
Crusader Castles
Crusader Castles (St. Hilarion, Kyrenia mountain range, north Cyprus) – located 30 minutes north of Nicosia, St Hilarion Castle was first built as a monastery in memory of St Hilarion, a fourth-century Syrian hermit who lived in a cave. He is believed to have been able to banish demons and perform miracles. Later in the eighth century the Byzantines converted this monastery into a castle, due to its strategic location. They sheltered here during Arab raids. In 1228 John d’Ibelin, one of the Lusignan nobles, extended the castle. He is responsible for most of the buildings still standing today. Under the Lusignans, St Hilarion became home to royalty and was nicknamed “Dieu d’Amour” – The Castle of the god of love. Among others King Peter I and Queen Eleanor of Aragon resided here. St Hilarion was at its peak at this time. In 1489, when the Venetians took control of Cyprus, St Hilarion went into decline and fell into ruins.
Admission: 10 TL (Turkish Lira) (adult), Free for children (up to 12 years old).