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St. Hilarion Castle

Best preserved out of the trio castles in the Kyrenia Mountain range, St Hilarion is located west of the main Kyrenia-Nicosia highway. As a westernmost fortress, it was established by Byzantines and Crusaders.

The legend of St Hilarion

Although not adequately proved, the castle happened to be called after the saint of the name. St Hilarion, a hermit that was little known and a monk fled persecution from Palestine during the 7 th century to dwell and die up in the castle. According to legend he was extremely deaf and resistible to the cries of pagan demons that had been hiding and wandering about in the mountain peak. After luckless attempt to make him go, they disappeared. During the 10 th century a Byzantine chapel, monastery and later a fort grew around his tomb.

It is documented that the Byzantine fort was called Didymos , the Greek name for the twin peaks overhead. The Lusignans modified this to Dieu d'Amour , probably confusing a mixture of legends and believing that this was the castle of Aphrodite .

With walls and towers that appear to sprout out of the rocks almost randomly, it is a fairly-tale sight living up to Rose Macaulay's much-quoted description "a picture-book castle for elf-kings" and the rumour that Walt Disney used it as a model for the castle in Snow White and Seven Dwarfs. According to the legend that was spread locally St Hilarion housed 101 rooms, of which 100 could easily be found; but the last, an enchanted garden with a magnificent treasure belonged to an elusive "queen" of Cypriot folklore, most probably a holdover of Aphrodite worship.

How to get there

If driving from Kyrenia to Nicosia (Lefkosia), take the main road that climbs through the Kyrenia mountain range. The dual carriageway leading off the roundabout will pass the silhouette of Atatürk high on the right. At the top of climb through the mountains, about 50 yards (45 m) before the mountain pass turn right at the sign saying St Hilarion Castle. After turning right follow the direction as signed by the army. This is a controlled road and stopping and taking photographs are signed as forbidden. Drive carefully as the road here is narrow and twisty. On the right you will pass the Turkish military camp and the route continues to wind up. You can view Kyrenia harbour to the right and the route reaches its highest point with the vista towards the twin peaks of Didymos ahead. The road continues to the base of the castle walls where a car park is located with a small snack bar.

Practical info

During hot summer days come early or later in the day if you can, as climbing to the top of 730 m can be tiring and quite difficult. Make sure you wear stout shoes because of the uneven ground. For climbing St Hilarion a walking stick, camera, binoculars and a bottle of water are recommended accessories. When taking children be aware of many long drops everywhere. Finally after scaling the castle you can enjoy refreshment at the café by the car park.

Tel.: 0533 161 276

Opening hours:

Summer 9.00 - 18.00, last entry: 17.00

Winter 9.00 - 16.30, last entry: 15.30

Admission: app. YTL 5.00