Saint Hilarion Castle

About

Standing on a hilltop in the Kyrenia Mountains, St. Hilarion Castle was one of a trio of castles built by the Byzantines to defend northern Cyprus. The castle is named after a mysterious saint who is said to have lived in the area after escaping from the Arab conquest of the Holy Land. In the 12th century, it passed on to the Knights Templar, who expanded it and used it as to defend the eastern Mediterranean region during the Crusades. The sprawling bastion spans three sections: the lower and middle wards were used for economic purposes, while the upper ward was reserved for the royal family. St. Hilarion Castle is the best-preserved of Cyprus' Crusader castles, so the climb to the top is worth the effort. Not only will you be rewarded with a chance to step back in time, but its hilltop position offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the northern part of Cyprus (on a clear day, you can even see the Turkish mainland).