| Site Description | The medieval castle of Paphos, also known as "Paphos harbour castle", is located at the western side of the port of Kato Paphos. The current state of the castle is the result of several reconstructions throughout the years, each representing different periods of the island's history from the Medieval period onwards (Frankish, Venetian, Ottoman).
The medieval fortress consisted of two towers built in the mid-13th century, when the island was under Frankish Lusignan rule, to replace the nearby fortress known as "Saranda Colones", which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1222 AD. The two towers were connected through a defensive wall and their major function was to control the port's gateway and protect the city of Paphos by providing defence.
During the Frankish period, Cyprus suffered several raids from the Genoese and the Mamluks. According to Leontios Machairas, the Genoese occupied Paphos in the 14th century -more specifically in 1373. To make the forts stronger, they increased the height of the fortifications, while, at the same time, they opened ditches to be filled with seawater around the two towers.
The Venetians (1474-1571) reinforced Cyprus' defensive system, mainly in other regions of the island. No significant defensive works took place in the Paphos district. Marino Sanuto and other travellers who visited the island during that period mention two fortresses located at the entrance of Paphos' port.
The earthquake that took place on the island in 1491 AD must have destroyed one of the two towers located near the sea and thus, it is likely that the eastern port tower was abandoned. In the mid-16th century, the Venetians destroyed the fortress to prevent its use by enemies as fortification against them.
In 1571 AD, when the Ottomans conquered Cyprus, the tower was rebuilt on the ruins of the Frankish fortress, while it was reconstructed in 1592 by the Turkish commander of Cyprus, Ahmet Pasha (1589-1593). The ground floor and the basement of the castle were utilized by the Ottomans as a prison, the central area of the upper floor was used as a mosque, and the rooms for the military garrison lodging.
The British annexation of Cyprus, in 1878 AD, converted the monument into a colonial government salt store. Thus, the castle was not used for defensive or military purposes during that period.
In 1935, the Castle of Paphos was declared an Ancient Monument, with the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus being responsible for its conservation, preservation, restoration, and maintenance. Thus, throughout the years, the castle underwent various restoration and renovation works, for which the Department of Antiquities holds detailed reports and documentation (documents, photographs, etc).
Furthermore, in 1980, the monument was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. |