Paphos Castle

The History of Pafos Castle

The medieval castle of Paphos was built by the Lusignans in the early 13th century AD on the site of the Byzantine defensive fort ‘Forty Columns’ (Saranta Kolones), which had been destroyed by a powerful earthquake.

The ancient fortress on the western edge of Pafos Harbour served as the main defensive structure, protecting the town from raids by the Genoese and other enemies. At the start of the Cypriot-Genoese War in 1373, the defenders of Pafos Castle successfully repelled the invaders’ attacks for a year.

Following the military defeat of the Kingdom of Cyprus, the castle surrendered to the Genoese. In 1391, King Jacques I de Lusignan of Cyprus undertook the restoration of the castle, which had been damaged during the war.

For almost two centuries, the well-fortified castle served the Venetians in defending their strategic and commercial interests against the Ottomans. However, shortly before the Turkish army captured Cyprus in 1570, the Venetians dismantled the castle to prevent it from falling into the hands of the advancing Ottoman Empire.

Following Cyprus’s incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, the castle in Paphos was restored by the Turkish governor Ahmed Bey in 1592.

This rectangular, low-rise building with thick stone walls, which has been beautifully preserved to this day, is a fine example of Ottoman architecture.

The castle can be approached from the harbour side via a stone arched bridge. On the eastern side are the castle’s sole entrance, several small windows and loopholes. Inside, Pafos Castle, like the exterior, appears empty — bare stone walls and vaults, large, empty rooms. You can climb up to the roof via a narrow staircase opposite the entrance.

From the upper platform, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Paphos Harbour, its surroundings and the Troodos Mountains.

Interesting facts

• During the Ottoman period, Paphos Fort ceased to be used solely as a defensive fortification. The Turkish occupiers set up a prison on the ground floor of the building, the second floor housed the armourers, and the upper terrace of the castle was used as a lookout and artillery post. A mosque was located in the central room on the top floor.
• After Cyprus came under British rule in 1878, the Ottomans removed the cannons from the roof; today, only the 12 surviving embrasures serve as a reminder of them. During the British period, Paphos Fort was used as a vast salt store, with salt being brought here from the salt lake at Larnaca.
• In 1935, UNESCO included Paphos Castle on the World Heritage List. Since then, the castle has been one of Paphos’s main attractions.

How it is used today

Nowadays, Pafos Castle and the square in front of it serve as a venue for numerous concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

One of Pafos’s main festivals — the Aphrodite Festival — has been held annually in September since 1999. Every year, the festival organisers invite renowned opera companies to perform here. These spectacular performances take place in the square by the medieval castle, with the castle itself serving as a backdrop to the operas.

The Pafos Aphrodite Festival boasts performances of such masterpieces of world opera as Mozart’s *Don Giovanni*, Rossini’s *Cinderella*, Bizet’s *Carmen*, Verdi’s *La Traviata* and many others.

Pafos Castle is open to visitors every day.

Opening hours

• summer (16 April to 15 September): daily from 08:30 to 19:30;
• winter (16 September to 15 April): daily from 08:30 to 17:00;
• closed on public holidays.

Ticket prices

• €2.50;
• 20% discount for groups of 10 or more.

How to get to the castle

You can reach Pafos Castle by bus:

• from Coral Bay — route no. 615;
• from Pafos town centre (the municipal market) — route No. 610;
• from Geroskipou Promenade — route No. 611;
• from Paphos Airport — route No. 612;
• from Limassol — Intercity Buses.

Paphos Fort is situated on the western side of Paphos Harbour. You can reach the fort either by bus or by private transport.

Bus stops for all routes, as well as a large car park for private vehicles, are located at the start of Paphos’s pedestrian zone.

The majestic Pafos Castle is situated at the end of the coastal promenade, which is lined with numerous souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants.