Kantara Castle

The castle's origins date back to the 10th century, when it served as a Byzantine observation post against Arab invaders. In the 12th century, it was expanded into a fortress. Its role in history was highlighted in 1191, when the Cypriot Emperor Isaac Komnenos sought refuge here from Richard the Lionheart, who conquered Cyprus on his way to the Third Crusade. After a siege, Isaac Komnenos was forced to surrender. Later, in May 1192, Richard sold the island to Guy of Lusignan, who became the first ruler of the Kingdom of Cyprus. During conflicts between the supporters of Frederick II and King Henry I of Cyprus in 1229, Gauvain de Chenichy entrenched himself in Kantara but later had to abandon the castle. Even a reconquest by the loyalists of Frederick II in 1232 was not lasting. Despite the Genoese conquest in 1373, Kantara remained in the possession of the Lusignans. The ruins visible today likely stem from renovations carried out in 1391. Although the Venetians recognized the castle's strategic importance, it was already in ruins by 1562.

Kantara Castle Ruin is located near the village of Kantara in the Gazimağusa district of Northern Cyprus, part of the island of Cyprus.