Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Since 1974, all the original Greek place names have been replaced by Turkish names. Road signs to Kyrenia
(Girne) and Famagusta (Maǧusa) usually state both names but road signs for smaller towns and villages just dis-
play the Turkish name. Those only familiar with the pre-partition names may find it difficult to navigate without a
new road map (available from the Tourist Information Office in Kyrenia).
St Hilarion Castle
St Hilarion Castle HISTORIC SITE
(Hilarion Kalesi; % 0533 161 276; adult/student 7/3TL; h 9am-6.30pm Apr-Oct, to 3.30pm Nov-Mar)
The full fairytale outline of St Hilarion Castle only becomes apparent once you're directly
beneath it. The stone walls and half-ruined buildings blend, near seamlessly, into the
rocky landscape creating a dreamscape castle plucked from a child's imagination with
hidden rooms, tunnels and crumbling towers.
The site consists of three main parts, the lower enceinte, the upper enceinte and Prince
John's Tower, all linked by steep staircases. The stunning views are well worth the ardu-
ous climb to the top.
Rumour has it that Walt Disney drew inspiration from the jagged contours of St Hilari-
on when he created the animated film Snow White. And a local folk legend tells that the
castle once boasted 101 rooms, the last of which leading to a secret internal garden that
belonged to a fairy queen. This enchantress was known for seducing hunters, shepherds
and travellers who stumbled into her lair and robbing them by placing them into a deep
slumber.
The castle's real history is a bit less fantastic. The lofty fort is named after the monk
Hilarion, who fled persecution in the Holy Land. He lived (and died) in a mountain cave
that overlooked the Kyrenia plain, protecting the pass between the coast and Nicosia.
In the 10th century, the Byzantines built a church and monastery over Hilarion's tomb.
Due to the site's strategic position, it was used as a watchtower and beacon during the
Arab raids of the 7th and 8th centuries and was an important link in the communication
chain between Buffavento and Kantara Castles further east.
In 1191 Guy de Lusignan seized control of St Hilarion, defeating the self-proclaimed
Byzantine emperor of Cyprus, Isaak Komninos. The castle was then extensively expanded
and used as both a military outpost and a summer residence of the Lusignan court. Later,
during Venetian rule, the castle was neglected and fell into disrepair.
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