Must-see
Kyrenia Harbor and Castle
The only district of Cyprus wholly outside the Republic’s control since 1974
The story
Kyrenia is the main town of the district of the same name on the north coast, and its small harbor is guarded by a castle. The first fortification here was probably built by the Romans. The Byzantines strengthened it, the Frankish Lusignan kings enlarged it, and the Venetians rebuilt it for cannons. Under British rule the castle held a prison for EOKA fighters, the underground organization that fought against British rule. In September 1955 sixteen prisoners escaped from it, among them Markos Drakos. On 20 July 1974 Turkish troops landed on the Pente Mili coast west of the town. On 22 July they took Kyrenia, and in August the whole district. Since then it has been part of the north of the island, which the Republic of Cyprus does not control, and the Republic has declared Kyrenia port closed to all ships.
Kyrenia is a town occupied by Turkish troops, and since 1974 the Republic has not controlled any of its district. In the question “entry into the Republic is illegal through the port of…”, the right answer is Kyrenia, not Limassol, Paphos or Larnaca.
Visiting
This is in the north. You can get there through the crossing points in Nicosia: Ledra Palace on foot, Agios Dometios by car. Bring a passport or ID card. Under the laws of the Republic, entering Cyprus through Kyrenia port is not allowed.
Photos
Sources
- Cyprus Ministry of Finance, Customs: the ports of Famagusta, Karavostasi and Kyrenia are closed to all ships; entry through ports and airports of the occupied part is an offense
- Kyrenia Municipality: «Ιστορία της πόλης» — the fortress from the Romans to the Venetians, 20 and 22 July 1974, the day Kyrenia was taken
- Union of Cyprus Municipalities: Kyrenia district — landing at Pente Mili on 20 July 1974, Lapithos and Karavas taken on 6 August
- Evrychou Community Council: Markos Drakos — imprisonment in Kyrenia Castle and escape on 23 September 1955 with fifteen comrades
This text was written by AI from open sources. An expert will still check it. Found a mistake? Write to us. Support
