It can be seen to this day in what respects the Lusignans improved the castle's defences, as well as converting it to the standard of comfort necessary for a royal residence. The fortifications consist of three wards, the uppermost perched on the double crested summit of the mountain, known originally as Didymus (the twins), a name which was later corrupted by the Franks to the even more charming 'Dieudamour'.
The castle is approached through an outer gate; the gatehouse to the right has been restored and is used for the display of postcards, souvenirs, etc. The custodian's office is situated immediately to the left after entering the main gateway to the Lower Ward. Unless in possession of unlimited time, with perhaps the prospect of a second visit, it is advisable for newcomers to follow the recognized upward route which begins by turning at an angle around a building used in the Lusignan period as stables. (The surrounding outer wall of Byzantine construction, with its jutting semicircular towers, can be explored later, should time permit.) The function of this lower ward, of course, was to accommodate the castle's soldiery, horses and equipment. The buildings contained in it were entirely functional.
The entrance to the Middle Ward is through a vaulted passage cut by the Lusignans in the Byzantine bailey, and above what was a secondary defence in the form of a drawbridge. There is access to the Church on the right. This is built in the form of a parallelogram with pillars which originally carried a dome. (The one similar church in Cyprus is at the Antiphonitis Monastery.) Near to the church and the annexes which relate to it, there is a graceful Belvedere built in the peaceful period of Lusignan rule, with the intention not of being a defensive lookout, but for the sole purpose of affording a beautiful view - as its name implies. This is part of an extensive group of mainly domestic rooms. The more palatial buildings at the north-east corner are likely to have been royal quarters in the thirteenth century, previous to the provision of grander accommodation in the upper ward for the Lusignan royal family. Part of this Byzantine section has recently been converted for use as a restaurant equipped with panoramic views. The red roofing tiles appear inappropriate, though this may have been the type of material used in the original buildings. Experts differ. It has also been suggested that the roofs were thatched a theory borne out by the total absence among the remains of any less perishable roofing material.
The Upper Ward is approached by a winding and steep path above a large open cistern to the right. Approach paths here and farther up the slope have been affected by landslides and earthquakes, and their original courses are in doubt. To the left, and in front of the entrance, another steep path and flight of steps leads to what is known as Prince John's Toiver. It is perched precipitously above sheer drops on three sides, and has been identified as the scene of the violent death of the Bulgarian mercenaries. (This additional climb should be attempted only by the adventurous and cool headed.) The upper ward is entered through an arch guarded on the right by a tower similar in design to those of the outer defences. The courtyard is contained by the twin moun tain peaks to the left and right, while immediately opposite the entrance there are the romantic remains of the royal residence, built in two storeys and looking west over an impregnable precipice towards Lapithos ( Lapta North Cyprus ) and the high mountains tapering away in the direction of Cape Kormakiti. The elegant windows in the upper storey are more sophisticated than any previously encountered, One, with tracery and side seats, is known as the Queen's Window. The upper ramparts of the castle, and two square towers which evidently replaced Byzantine round towers, are to the south. They are reached from the courtyard by another steep path.
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