Larnaca Castle

Cyprus, Cyprus

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Larnaca Castle is a medieval fortress located on the seafront of Larnaca, Cyprus.

Originally built to protect the town’s harbor and southern coastline, it developed from an earlier Byzantine fortification and was expanded during the reign of James I in the late 14th century, when Larnaca became an important port of the Kingdom of Cyprus. Over the centuries, the castle was modified by Venetian and Ottoman rulers and later served as a prison during British rule.

Its role evolved from military defense to administrative and judicial functions, reflecting the island’s changing history. Today, Larnaca Castle houses a museum displaying artifacts from the Early Christian, Byzantine, medieval, and Ottoman periods. The castle remains one of the city’s most important landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into Cyprus’s rich history while overlooking the Mediterranean coast.