“Buffavento” means “gusty winds”, and indeed, perched high upon the Beşparmak (Five Finger) Mountains 950m above sea level it does its best to defy those winds.
Originally built as a Byzantine watch-tower to guard against Arab invasion, it then was used as a prison, known as the “Chateau du Lion” during the Lusignan period, before falling into neglect during the Venetian period as coastal b...
The elegant crescent-shaped Venetian harbour in Girne is the place to relax and enjoy the bustling yet uncannily pretty harbour town – it’s also delightfully breezy during the hot summer months and a great place to sit, savour and simply enjoy. Visit buzzing waterside cafes and fish restaurants for delicious food and drink, a good dose of harbour-side romance and beautiful views of the sea where f...
Along with Kantara and Buffavento, St. Hilarion Castle was originally built as a watch tower for approaching pirates who launched a series of raids on Cyprus and the coasts of Anatolia from the 7th to the 10th centuries. By the 10th century, a Byzantine chapel and monastery has been added to the tower’s site and joined by a fort in the 12th century. Richard the Lionheart captured the castle on his...
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 cast...
Nestled in the delightful village of Bellapais, high in the Five Finger Moutains, is the Bellapais Abbey. The name Bellapais is said to derive from the French “Abbaye de la paix” meaning ‘Monastery of Peace’.
The Bellapais Abbey was originally established by Augustinian monks arriving from Jerusalem, who began constructing the first buildings here in 1198. Much of what we can see today was built ...
Built by a 12th century monk originally from Asia Minor, the striking stone church of Antiphonitis (or Anthipanitis, meaning “Replying to Christ”) is part of a former monastery. Tucked away in the Five Finger Mountains, the church boasts a stunning vista across the North Cyprus coastline. Inside, you will discover an elegant dome supported by circular columns and arranged i...
