The Castle of St. Hilarion is located on a rocky mountain range that rises in Northern Cyprus above Kyrenia. The most beautiful castle in Cyprus is located in a very romantic location. It is worth coming here, even if you are on vacation in southern Cyprus.
In the 6th century, the hermitage of the monk Hilarion was located on this mountain. After his death, his followers founded a small monastery here. However, the location on the top of the mountain was so convenient that the Byzantines built watchtowers. From there they could monitor the northern coast of Cyprus to warn coastal castles of a possible attack by Arab ships. Initially, these fortifications were called the castle Dieu d`Amour (God of Love), but later it will be called more simply - Castle of St. Hilarion.
In the 12th century, Cyprus was bought by the King of Jerusalem, Guy de Lusignan. He began the construction of powerful castles in the ports of Kyrenia and Famagusta, and he turned the castle of St. Hilarion into his summer residence. Here began a major construction, which made the castle almost impregnable.
In the Castle of St. Hilarion, three levels were built. On the lower level there were barracks for soldiers, kitchens, stables, and utility rooms. From the lower level, the stairs went up to the only door on the second level. It contained an audience hall, a banquet hall, living rooms for guests, a royal guard room, and the Church of St. Christopher, built in the 11th century. At this level, the kings received their guests.
From the second level, a staircase leads to the top of the mountain. It was the private rooms of the King and his family. Among the rocks there is a small flat area where the royal garden was laid out. The king`s chambers were located above the rocky cliffs. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the sea.
A visit to the Castle of St. Hilarion is best combined with an excursion to Kyrenia. There you can see the Kyrenian Castle, Bellapais Abbey, and then dine in one of the many restaurants located in the port of Kyrenia.
