Standing formidably at the entrance to the harbour and commanding excellent views of the harbour entrance and surrounding seas is Girne Castle, dating back to the 1500s. The castle has weathered several architectural transformations throughout the Roman, Byzantine, Lusignan and most recently, the Venetian period, to which it owes its current appearance.
There is much to see in and around the castle, including a guard-room and stable lined parade ground, the Lusignan Royal Quarters and a chapel in the upper levels and dungeons and the powder magazines, where gunpowder was stored underground. You can also climb to the battlements and walk around the castle walls to enjoy spectacular views of the harbour and incoming boats – a great vantage point for the Venetians in guarding the castle from any dreaded attack – except for the irony that when the Ottoman invasion arrived in 1571, the Venetians gave up without a fight!
