Kyrenia Castle This beautiful castle is situated in the north-east of the city and serves as a backdrop to the city's harbour. The first historical reference to the castle dates back to 1191, when King Richard the Lionheaart of England, on his way to the Third Crusade, captured it by defeating King Isak Komnen of Cyprus. Whilst it has not yet been possible to determine a definite date for the castle's construction, excavations throughout the castle have revealed Hellenistic-Roman traces which date back to the 7th century BC. It is likely that the castle was built to defend Girne from Arabic raids.
Initially Kyrenia castle was very small. It was first enlarged between 1208 and 1211, during the reign of King John d'Ibelin. Its main purpose was military, which was reflected in the buildings and functions of the castle. Using the Byzantium style of fortification, a new entrance, square and horseshoe-shaped towers, embrasures for archers aun dungeons were added.
The castle was almost destroyed during the Genoese rainds in 1373. By 1489 the Venetians took control of the island and they also adapted and enlarged the castle, which took on its nowadays structure. In this period, thick fortified walls embracing the castle and towers, with wide embrasures for cannons were built. In 1570 the Ottomans occured to the island and ruled it for a long period. The structural additions they made were all destroyed during the British colonial period, when the castle was used as a prison. Kyrenia castle has been used for military purposes until the middle of our century. Today the castle is open to the public. You can visit the ancient dungeons, the Byzantine St. George's Church, the Lusignan Tower and the cistern. In the east wing of the building you will find an exhibition about neolithic life in the village of Vrysi and the Shipwreck Museum.
Ship Wreck Museum
"Batik Gemzi Muzezi" - the Ship Wreck Museum is situated in the east wing of Kyrenia Castle. Here you will find the remains of one of the most ancient boats ever recovered from the bottom of the sea. It dates back to the 4th century BC, sunk in the Kyrenia Bay, one mile off the harbour, at the time of Alexander the Great. The museum exhibits the rests of the ship and parts of the merchandise found in its holds. The load included 4000 wine amphoras, scores of wooden tools, oil amphoras and salt containers.
Folk Art Museum The Museum of Folk Art is housed within a splendid residence which is characteristic of the upper class 18th century Cypriots. The mansion is situated at the Kyrenia harbour, and has three main levels. Its cellars were used as storing rooms, the ground floor used to house the services, kitchen and craft area; now is exhibits a collection of farming tools and and looms. The second floor was the living area, the third the bedrom floor. Here you will find a selection of home furnishing dating back to this period including bed linen, tablecloths, local embroidery and lace, as well as a collection of gold and silver objects.
Bellapais Abbey
About 6 miles east of Girne you will find the wonderful and romantic rests of Belapais Abbey, a 12th century abbey built in gothic style during the Lusignan period. The abbey is built around an inner court, where the church, the dining room and the dormitory of the monks are located. It is also known as the Blanche Abbey, probably because of the white habit worn by its monks. The abbey was erected by the Order of St. Norbert, one of the less known orders of the Middle Ages.
The buiding is very well preserved, and its dining room (30 x 90 feet), built by King Hugh IV of the de Lusignan dynasty, is one of the best exemples of Cyprus' Gothic style. Several first rank figures of Cyprus' history are supposedly buried here, but their tombs have not yet been found. From the six windows of the northern wall you will enjoy a most splendid view of the sea, framed by the Taurus peaks, in the Anatolian Peninsula.
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This beautiful castle is situated in the north-east of the city and serves as a backdrop to the city's harbour. The first historical reference to the castle dates back to 1191, when King Richard the Lionheaart of England, on his way to the Third Crusade, captured it by defeating King Isak Komnen of Cyprus. Whilst it has not yet been possible to determine a definite date for the castle's construction, excavations throughout the castle have revealed Hellenistic-Roman traces which date back to the 7th century BC. It is likely that the castle was built to defend Girne from Arabic raids. 
of Kyrenia Castle. Here you will find the remains of one of the most ancient boats ever recovered from the bottom of the sea. It dates back to the 4th century BC, sunk in the Kyrenia Bay, one mile off the harbour, at the time of Alexander the Great. The museum exhibits the rests of the ship and parts of the merchandise found in its holds. The load included 4000 wine amphoras, scores of wooden tools, oil amphoras and salt containers.
The Museum of Folk Art is housed within a splendid residence which is characteristic of the upper class 18th century Cypriots. The mansion is situated at the Kyrenia harbour, and has three main levels. Its cellars were used as storing rooms, the ground floor used to house the services, kitchen and craft area; now is exhibits a collection of farming tools and and looms. The second floor was the living area, the third the bedrom floor. Here you will find a selection of home furnishing dating back to this period including bed linen, tablecloths, local embroidery and lace, as well as a collection of gold and silver objects. 
Belapais Abbey, a 12th century abbey built in gothic style during the Lusignan period. The abbey is built around an inner court, where the church, the dining room and the dormitory of the monks are located. It is also known as the Blanche Abbey, probably because of the white habit worn by its monks. The abbey was erected by the Order of St. Norbert, one of the less known orders of the Middle Ages.