Buffavento Castle

About

Buffavento Castle was built atop Kyrenia Mountain in the 11th century as part of a trio of fortifications defending Cyprus' northern coast. After falling to Richard the Lionheart in 1191, it passed on to the Knights Templar, and a then string of owners until ultimately falling into disuse in the 14th century when Cyprus came under the control of the Republic of Venice. Under the Lusignan kings, Buffavento was used as a political prison, and according to legend, once held a Byzantine empress named Elena, who lived in the castle with her dog as her only companion. The spring below the castle supposedly miraculously cured both the empress and the dog of leprosy, leading the empress to found the monastery of Ayios Ioannis Chrysostomos near the spring. While mostly ruined, the fortifications are still impressive. The castle is divided into two sections: the lower enceinte, which is a fortified defensive enclosure, and the upper enceinte, which occupies a smaller area on the rocky peak. It takes around 30 minutes to climb to the lower section and an additional 20 minutes to reach the very top. It's worth the hike to the top though. From the summit, you're treated to stunning views of Kyrenia, Famagusta, Nicosia, and, weather permitting, the Troodos Mountains. And, you'll find why the castle's name translates to “defier of winds”.