Kantara Castle
North Cyprus

Kantara Castle is the most easterly of the three castles of North Cyprus.  Kantara Castle is approximately 700 metres above sea level and in a good position to control the entrance to the Karpaz peninsula. It is thought to have been constructed by the Byzantines though the earliest written sources only make mention of the castle in the year 1191, when Richard the Lion-Heart captured the island. 
 

During this period the castle was involved in many battles. 
 

Now described as the most romantic, it is the easternmost and the lowest of the 3 castles and sits at the spot where the Kyrenia mountain range subsides into rolling hills.
 

When you enter you will see a pair of towers, the north and the south tower. Here you can climb the steps that lead to the inner ward.  Further along the southeast wall are the barracks and next to this are the latrines which were once flushed by the sophisticated plumbing system of the castle.  In the southwest corner of the battlements there is a chamber which contains a hidden postern gate; this was used to catch any would-be attackers by surprise.  Pass the inner bailey or return to the southeast tower and you reach the northern tower.  The towers feature a significant peace of military design.  They have 2 long galleries equipped with arrow slits and are joined by a square chamber. The watchtower which used to alert the residents of any danger has only one wall and a Gothic window in existence, however, the northern bastion is still complete.