Buffavento Castle 
Northern Cyprus     
 

Buffavento was one of three castles contructed on the Kyrenia range as a defense against Arab attacks.  Glance upward some 940m to the top of the mountain and Buffavento is plainly recognizable.  To get to the castle you will need to walk up a graveled pathway which is on a fairly gentle ascent.  It is steep but gradual.  Stop occasionally and the walk will take roughly 30 to 40 minutes.  During spring this is a wonderful time to stop and marvel at the flora and fauna.

Views from Northern Cyprus

Reach the top and you will realize how Buffavento came to get its name.  Buffavento and meaning buffeted or beaten by wind.

It is probable, according to the earliest documents that Buffavento was a Byzantine watchtower in the 10th century which was surrendered to Guy Lusignan in 1191. 

Entrance to the lower ward is through a gatehouse, you will pass through ruins which are supposed to be barbican, on the left hand side and below the level of the main buildings is a large cistern.  The rooms on the lower level are roofed and here you will see an under floor cistern in the gatehouse.  The red bricks seen on the arches of gates and rooms signify that the style was Byzantine.  At one time there was a church here but little of it is preserved today.

If you wish to go to the upper level it will take about 70ft to climb higher.  On a clear day you will be able to spot Famagusta, Nicosia, the panhandle and the Turkish mainland.

Buffavento has no defense structures due to the height of the castle.  The Venetians neglected Buffavento.  The stone steps linking the lower and upper level where rebuilt during the 20th century.
 

Views of North Cyprus that take your breath away