# Paphos CastleΚάστρο της Πάφου / Baf Kalesi

- **Country:** Cyprus
- **Coordinates:** 34.753670, 32.406911
- **Century Built:** 11th century
- **Location Text:** Paphos

Paphos Castle stands prominently at the western end of the harbor in Paphos, Cyprus, serving as a defining landmark of the city. Originally constructed as a Byzantine fortress to protect the port, the structure was destroyed by a severe earthquake in 1222. It was subsequently rebuilt and expanded during the 13th century by the Lusignan dynasty in a distinct medieval architectural style. The complex historically included nearby Genoese Towers, which played a critical role in naval defenses against the Republic of Genoa in 1373 and the Mamluk Sultanate in 1426, though these auxiliary towers were eventually ruined by seismic activity and never restored.

The castle witnessed intense military conflict throughout its history, notably resisting Ottoman forces for sixteen days in August 1570 before being partially destroyed and later repaired by the new rulers. Under Ottoman administration, it housed a garrison of one hundred men and twelve cannons. The main structure features a large rectangular tower with a central courtyard, where the ground floor rooms served as prisons and barracks, while the roof housed guard quarters and ramparts for artillery. Following the British arrival in 1878, the fortress ceased military operations and functioned as a salt depot until it was declared an ancient monument in 1935.

Despite suffering significant damage from the 1953 earthquake and aerial bombardment during the 1974 conflict, the castle underwent extensive repairs to restore its integrity. Today, it remains a protected historical site and a popular cultural venue, frequently hosting open-air performances during the annual Paphos Festival. Its enduring presence offers visitors a tangible connection to the island's layered past, spanning Byzantine, Lusignan, Venetian, Ottoman, and British eras, making it an essential destination for understanding the strategic maritime history of the region.

![Photo of Paphos CastleΚάστρο της Πάφου / Baf Kalesi](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/%D0%9F%D0%B0%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BA_%2809.2013%29.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paphos_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)