Saranta KolonesΚάστρο Σαράντα Κολώνες / Saranta Kolones Kalesi

Saranta Kolones, also known as the Forty Columns Castle, is a ruined medieval fortress located within the Paphos Archaeological Park just north of the harbor in Paphos, Cyprus. The structure derives its distinctive name from the numerous granite columns discovered on the site, which are believed to have originally belonged to an ancient agora. Constructed in the late 7th century AD during the Byzantine era, the castle was strategically built to defend the port and the city of Nea Pafos against frequent Arab raids. Its architectural design featured formidable three-meter-thick walls, a surrounding moat accessed by a wooden bridge, and a square courtyard measuring 35 by 35 meters. The defensive layout included four massive corner towers, four intermediary towers along the connecting walls, and a unique horseshoe-shaped tower guarding the main eastern entrance.

The historical trajectory of Saranta Kolones includes significant remodeling under the Lusignan dynasty after its initial Byzantine construction, reflecting its continued strategic importance through different ruling periods. However, the fortress met a catastrophic end when it was severely damaged by a powerful earthquake in 1222. Following this natural disaster, the site was abandoned and left to decay into the ruins visible today. In modern times, the location has become a subject of archaeological interest, with several excavation campaigns conducted to uncover its past, including notable supplementary work in the early 1970s. Currently, the site stands as a protected historical landmark within the archaeological park, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's turbulent medieval history and military architecture without serving any active functional purpose beyond tourism and education.