Kyrenia (Girne) is the most picturesque town in the Mediterranean which as well has a long history. The city was founded in 10 century B.C. by Phoenicians, who were traders and seafarers. Kyrenia never played in the ancient history of the island such a significant role as Salamis and Nicosia and it was “in the shade” of its more powerful neighbour towns. 

Kyrenia start to grow and succeed during the Rome Empire as well as the other cities in the Cyprus Island. At this time in Kyrenia was built commercial harbor and later during the Byzantine Empire a fortress, which is now called Kyrenia castle. This castle played an important role in the protection of the city from the sea side invasions during the Arab-Byzantine wars in the 5-7 centuries.

King Richard Lion heart by storm from the sea and land took the Kyrenia castle in 1191. After the establishing of the authority of the dynasty of kings de Louisiana in the island had begun many construction work, especially the big work was about strengthened the walls of the Kyrenia fortress, which is later took a name of impregnable fortress-castle. The fortress had also the role of the prison for the nobles where they were held as prisoners. One of the famous prisoners of the Kyrenia castle was one of the Knights of Tamplier Order. The Queen Charlotte in the early 15 century was kept in that prison for four years and this was the longest period of imprisonment in the history of Kyrenia fortress.

She was kept by James, who was the illegitimate brother of Charlotte and who wants to depose his sister and become the king of Cyprus. James did not take the fortress by storm, but he smoked out his sister from the Kyrenia impregnable fortress-castle. Charlotte escape to the Mountains Rhodes after the cook start to feed the queen with omelet made from eggs of pigeons. All solders were starving and capitulated as well.

In the Venetian period strengthened the fortress was done by placing inside the powerful artillery and this was done by supervision of the Venetian architect Savorniani. Later there was built a long pier makes the access to the walls of fortress from land and sea more difficult.

The main protection of Cyprus was built in the Venetian time and there are three main parts of it - Kyrenia castles, Nicosia walled-city and Famagusta walled city. All of them are located in our days in the North part of Cyprus Island.

Today Kyrenia - one of the most popular places in North Cyprus. Kyrenia is the capital city of tourism in the northern part of the island, because of its location and climate. Kyrenia is protected from wind from one side by range of the high mountains and from the other side has a crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea coast. This natural wealth give the opportunity to Kyrenia to be the best destination for tourists who come to visit and explore the history of Cyprus or even only to have rest on the beautiful sea coast. 

The picturesque old Kyrenia harbour as the magnet attracts the entire tourist to come and rest in the atmosphere of the surrounding houses of the Venetian and Ottoman periods. The buildings which before were customs or trade warehouses, now rebuild into restaurants and small hotels in English style. This surrounding gives to the Harbour the view of colonial English style and shape the unique Mediterranean charm. From all the restaurants terraces are opening the view of swinging boats and yachts and many of them on mast has flags from different European countries.

In spring, when the touristic season has not started yet, everyone like to sit in Harbour and enjoy the picturesque view of the Mediterranean Sea and drinking of delicious Turkish coffee or tea, and eating the dishes cooked from the fresh fish, octopus and shrimp, and may be just talk and breathe in the fresh sea air and rest under the warm Mediterranean sun.

Kyrenia is the prettiest town on the Cyprus Island. It is a seaside resort with charming Harbour which full of yacht and fishing boots. It is the best place for the escaping from the busiest life style and to give the rest for the mind and for the body. 

The main attractions around the town of Kyrenia (Girne), which is recommended to visit and see:

1. Girne Castle 

2. The Shipwreck musium 

3. Icon musium, Church arhangel Michael 

4. Bellapais Abbey

5. Bufavento castle

6. St. Hilarion Castle 

7. Ethnographic Museum of Kyrenia