Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Even if the food was so-so, the atmospheric garden setting and fantastic views of Bel-
lapais Abbey next door would still make Kybele the prime spot for dining in the village.
Luckily the traditional dishes (and international favourites such as steaks) are top notch.
Come for dinner to experience the romantic floodlit abbey ambience.
Buffavento Castle
Buffavento Castle
HISTORIC SITE
(Buffavento Kalesi;
h
dawn-dusk)
F
Buffavento perches precariously at 940m, overlooking the Mesaoria (Mesarya) plain. The
constant pummelling it endures from high winds is how it derived its Italian name, 'chal-
lenger of the winds'.
The castle is divided into two sections, the lower enceinte and the upper enceinte,
which occupies a smaller area on the rocky peak. Built in such a way that no fortifications
other than its outer walls were needed, its naturally guarded location has only one en-
trance approach.
Little is known about its early history. In medieval times, it was known as the Castle of
the Lion, when Richard the Lionheart took it from the daughter of Byzantine emperor
Isaak Komninos in 1191. The Lusignans later used it as a prison and a beacon tower, con-
necting both Kantara Castle to the east and St Hilarion Castle to the west.
Although it has deteriorated more than the other castles - and some of its buildings
have been sadly defaced by graffiti - its surviving towers and walls have an ambience of
lingering grandeur topped off by the dizzying views sweeping downwards over the fores-
ted slopes.
Prominently signposted (as Buffavento Kalesi) off the Beşparmak (Pentadaktylos) Pass,
it's a 15-minute drive along the uphill road to the parking area below the castle. From here
it's a steep but gradual walk that takes about 20 minutes. Closed footwear is advised.
Panagia Absinthiotissa Monastery
Located on the flank of the Beşparmak Range, this monastery sits idyllically among juni-
per trees, taking in the views over the Mesaoria (Mesarya) plain.
Built in the late-Byzantine era, with its colossal 12-windowed drum and dome, the
monastery was inhabited by Latin monks during the 15th century who added Gothic vault-
ing and an unusual narthex with double apses at its end. Across the courtyard, to the north,
is the refectory with its shallow ceiling, vaulting and distinctive lancet windows.
