Kyrenia Castle, Cyprus

Kyrenia Castle was reconstructed by the Venetians in the 14th century, over a previous crusaders fortification. It houses the Shipwreck Museum which exhibits the remains of a greek merchant ship. The ship was already 80 years old when it sank and dates back to the 4th century BC, one of the oldest vessels ever recovered from the bottom of the sea.
One of the castle's prisoners was Joanna L'Aleman, a young widow from Paphos when she met and became the mistress of King Peter I of Cyprus. While Joanna was pregnant the king had to leave on a Crusade and the queen took advantage of his absence to imprison and torture Joanna, disappearing with the baby at birth. Informed of these events, the king wrote to the queen, who had to tone it down, releasing Joanna but forcing her to take the veil. With the king's return, Joanna was truly released and is said to have lived with the king until his death.

Summer opening hours 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Winter opening hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4.45 p.m.

 Entrance fee: €4.5





Local: Girne

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