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Iskele-Karpaz
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Kantara Castle |
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The word “kantara” means “arch”
in Arabic. The easternmost of the three castles
on the Five Finger Mountains, the Kantara castle
is in fact perched upon an arch, about 700
metres above sea level and can be reached via
Iskele, commanding impressive views of the
surrounding bays on both sides of North Cyprus -
and across into Turkey and sometimes even
Lebanon too on a clear day.. Well-positioned to
control the entrance to the Karpaz peninsula and
The Mesaria plain, the castle it is thought to
have been built by the Byzantines following the
Arab raids on the island – but, like the other
two castles, St. Hilarion and Buffavento,
written sources first mention the castle in
1191, when Richard Lion-Heart captured the
island.
Throughout the Lusignan and Venetian periods,
frequent mention of the castle is made, as
castle is involved in many battles during this
period. Then, during the era of the Genoese
attacks in Famagusta, Kantara Castle turned into
a refuge for those fleeing the fighting.
Although the Venetians later took control of the
island, the castle began to fall into disrepair
during the 16th century due to being so remote.
As you explore the castle ruins, you will
discover a picturesque collection of
dormitories, medieval latrines, a cistern,
vaulted rooms, and a signal tower. |
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