Kyrenia Harbour North Cyprus

Places to see Girne (Kyrenia) Harbour and Castle North Cyprus

Let's try to see the Island of Cyprus as if it is the head of a princess and North Cyprus Kyrenia be the crown adorning this beautiful head; then North Cyprus Kyrenia's old harbour, one of the most authentic tiny harbours of the world, will be the jewel which decorates this crown. While affectations resulted by globalism are changing Kyrenia up to a level to spoil the originality of the town, it must be great luck that the old harbour preserves itself against all sorts of kitsch interference Cyprus Kyrenia's 3000 year-old-history dates back to the time of Phoenicians. A few, but largely known names of this lovely town during the labyrinths of history are: Corinaeum, Ceraunia, Cerigna, Cherines,, Keraunia, Kerynia, Zerines, Keryneia, Kyrenia... According to an old myth, the old folk of the Anatolian Peninsula who were scattered widely after the Trojan War are the ones who had inhabited Kyrenia as a settlement. Another old tale claims that a fugitive called Kepheas who had been forced to leave Dymeas of the Aegean Region came to the island and founded Kyrenia. What happened to Cyprus during various eras of history are not much different than what happened to Kyrenia. Persians, Assyrians and many namely forgotten successors of invading powers before Hellenistic Greeks were enslaved by the appetizing excitement of Cyprus and Kyrenia. Almost mythological, Alexander the Great had conquered Cyprus on the way to his Egyptian Campaign and following his death, the island had been inherited by Ptolemy, one of his generals. Romans followed this period and formed their Greco-Roman urban administrative units. Then, as it happened before, Cyprus and Kyrenia suffered severe attacks, battles, lootings and mining’s. But the horseshoe shaped old harbour had not been much affected and changed by these happenings.

Some old and charming harbours of the Mediterranean; the cradle of civilizations, and the much sought after affection of the old and new worlds; are becoming points of attraction for the international high society and forming the popular trends of today's holiday concept. Portofino and harbours of Capri from Italy, tiny fishermen's wharves on Spain's Balears which became holiday spots for the extreme new rich, Bastia and her vicinity on Corsica, Simi Island and many similar bays and coves of Greeceon Aegean Sea and countless spots of paradise along the coasts of Anatolia are protecting their ranks and places in this classification. However, among all these mentioned, North Cyprus Kyrenia's Old Harbour, which preserved its real character and protected its originality is accepted as a genuine paradise on the world by the ones who had the chance to get acquainted with it. The modest fishermen harbour of the early 20th century goes on to be the host of its guests with a noble silence against the inevitable existence of contemporary tourism product with its bars, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops while preserving the characteristics of old times up to a certain measure. There was only one Kyrenia Harbour, as it was known by all... Then our tiny harbour of thousands of years was named "Old Kyrenia Harbour" North Cyprus following the inauguration of the Kyrenia Tourism Port in the 90s for serving hydrofoil ships, catamaran passenger vessels and ferry boats. It is very fortunate that Old Kyrenia Harbour has not been much affected by the unconscious urbanism from which Kyrenia suffers and it continues to serve as the landlord for humble and luxurious yachts, speed boats, excursion boats and fishermen's boats. The historical texture created by the integration of the harbour with Kyrenia Castle in North Cyprus forms a marvellous and pleasurable landscape Initially, it was a small bastion constructed in 7th century with the purpose of defence against the Arab attacks and it was a Byzantine fortification which gained its present appearance with several additions throughout many centuries. The function of the fortress which became a typical Crusader Castle by Lusignan touch in the 13th century was defence and sheltering post during the battles and administrative headquarters during peace times. The castle was severely damaged after the Genoesen attacks of the 14th century and strengthened by the Venetians as per their strategic understanding. Originally Byzantine St. Georges Church of the castle has a cross plan; however, the original Byzantine taste is replaced by Lusignan architectural character. The tomb of Sadik Pasha the Algerian, an Ottoman martyr of the conquest, is situated at the entrance corridor of the Lusignan Castle. Kyrenia Castle North Cyprus is one of the most important historical buildings of Northern Cyprus; it had been used as a prison during the Ottoman reign and the British Colony Administration and today it houses the world-renowned Shipwreck Museum. The short tower with a large base at the entrance of the harbour was used as a pillar where the thick chain closing the harbour was tied. It is really not easy to find another such well preserved and originally protected small harbour in today's world. Our most important task is to offer this unique wealth of North Cyprus to our visitors and look for ways of transfering this magnificent jewel of crown, Kyrenia, to future generations without deforming it. Miky Ferrario, an Italian tourist, rewarded by the Ministry of Tourism for her 50th visit to North Cyprus in 22 years since 1982, says: "Old Kyrenia Harbour North Cyprus is a passion you can never abdicate and an affection which will live forever".

	Price: 89950 GBP Apartment/Flat in Centre North Cyprus