DEFENDING LARNACA THROUGH THE AGES
A RICH HISTORY
The Larnaca Fort is a medieval fort and castle stronghold that has a rich history. It is one of the oldest and most important historical landmarks in the region of Larnaca. Located on the coast, where both the Finikoudes and Mackenzie promenades meet, the fort has played a crucial role in the defence and development of the city over the years. The fort’s architecture and design reflect the various influences of the different powers that have occupied Cyprus in years gone by and creates a fascinating example of the island’s rich cultural heritage.
SEVERAL DIFFERENT USES
The fort has experienced several transformations with various rulers enhancing and renovating the site. The fort itself has been used in several different ways throughout the ages. These have included its use as a defensive castle, an artillery station, a military base, a storage facility for supplies and munitions, a governor’s residence and a prison with gallows. Today the fort is houses a historical and cultural centre, as well as a museum.
A MEDIEVAL STRONGHOLD
Archaeological research conducted around the fort suggests that initial construction began on a small keep in the late 12th century. This acted as a staging post controlling access to the city’s harbour. The Byzantines then extended this keep with the addition of some basic fortifications. The main structure, however, as we know it today, did not materialise until the late 14th century. Cyprus’s Lusignan rulers acknowledged and then exploited its strategic location on Larnaca’s coast. They extended the crude Byzantine fortifications and built a series of new out buildings, a moat and drawbridge, and a solid defensive wall, creating a proper castle. Rectangular shaped limestone blocks were used for its construction, and the main walls consisted of imposing towers in each corner. The new fort became a military base allowing the Lusignan rulers to effectively control and protect the city and the harbour.
THE CANNONS OF LARNACA
Venetian rule, nearly one hundred years later, saw cannon introduced to the fort. This was in response to an ever-increasing threat from an expansionist Ottoman Empire. The fort, with its new cannon, not only afforded protection to ships anchored near and in the natural harbour, but also made it impossible for hostile ships to land anywhere in the immediate vicinity. As well as a base for artillery, parts of the fort also acted as a storage facility for weapons and munitions. Although the island eventually fell to the Ottomans, the Venetian defenders used this fort to great effect as part of their defence of the island in 1570.
A VALIANT DEFENCE
The well-defended Larnaca fort put up a valiant defence, but it eventually fell to the Ottomans after a dramatic siege. The Ottomans then went on to occupy the whole island by 1571. The island’s new rulers would then rule unopposed for the next 308 years. During this time, several modifications were made to the fort. This saw part of the castle become a place of worship when a mosque with a minaret was installed after the fort became a military barracks for Ottoman foot soldiers.
A NEW PRISON
British Colonial rule, which began in 1878, led to yet another use for the imposing fort. Salt, which was harvested from the nearby salt lakes, became a major export for the British at the time. The fort was used as a storage facility, and British administrators converted the castle into Larnaca’s police headquarters to help protect the new storage facility. The Ottoman barracks were converted to prison cells, which mainly held prisoners who were condemned to death after gallows were later introduced to the western chamber of the ground floor in the east wing. Following the final 1948 execution, the gallows were taken out of service permanently.
WORLD WAR II
The fort played a crucial role in the defence of the city during World War 2. It became a key strategic location for the British forces including the CYPRUS VOLUNTEER REGIMENT. The fort became a military base and it was heavily fortified and equipped with anti-aircraft guns. It mainly defending the city against air raids, but more importantly served as an important look out post for spotting enemy aircraft.
AN ADMIRED MUSEUM
After the declaration of Cypriot independence in 1960, the site became a museum. The musem today houses artefacts and exhibits related to the medieval history of the fort and the City of Larnaca. The fort’s courtyard also acts as an open-air theatre accommodating up to 200 people. The structure’s picturesque location, near Larnaca’s bustling promenades, has seen it become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. Visitors are encouraged to explore the fort’s ancient walls, towers, and dungeons and they have the opportunity to learn about its fascinating history through interactive exhibits and guided tours. They can also stand on the ramparts overlooking stunning views of a Mediterranean Sea that has hardly changed since the forts construction all of those years ago.
A CYPRIOT LEGACY
The Larnaca Fort is an admired historic landmark that has witnessed the changing tides of history over the last 700 or so years. The fort stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Cypriot people and is a reminder of the enduring legacy of Cyprus’s rich and diverse history. This remarkable site has stood the test of time. It has witnessed countless events that have shaped the history of not only the City of Larnaca but also the whole island. Serving as a constant reminder of the island’s past, the fort continues to attract tourists and history enthusiasts, who are eager to explore its ancient walls and learn about its fascinating history first-hand. From its origins as a simple medieval keep, to its current role as a museum, the fort has played a crucial role in the development of the City of Larnaca. Its rich history and architectural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Cypriot history and culture.
A TIMELESS PROTECTOR
The timeless protector of the City of Larnaca echoes the century-old stories that constantly resonate from the longest, continuously inhabited city in Cyprus. Although a small keep existed on the site during the 12th century, the castle took shape much later, in 1382, after construction began under the stewardship of the Lusignan King James of Cyprus. Built from robust, locally sourced stone, this is when the medieval fort, which borders both the Finikoudes and Mackenzie beaches, as we know it today, first took shape.
The castle and its grounds also reflect the different civilisations that helped to shape it. This is reinforced by the Turkish inscription at the front of the castle. On the East side, practical spaces like the ticket office and remnants of gallows from the British colonial period provide a tangible link to the castle’s functional past. The inner courtyard, now a space for historical exhibitions, also provides insight into Larnaca’s past.
The upper levels of the castle, which transport visitors back to the 14th century, feature the Larnaca District Medieval Museum. The well-preserved medieval cannons are found on the north side of the castle, whilst the South side is adorned with pointed arches housing tombstones from Gothic churches in Nicosia. The South East tower’s flat roof gives an overall view of Finikoudes, the beach’s sandy expanse, the old Turkish quarter, and the lively seafront road. Adjacent to the castle, the Kebir Mosque brings an air of ancient magnificence to the region that surrounds it.
PLANNING A VISIT
Plan for roughly 30 to 45 minutes to explore the entire site.
WHAT TO SEE ONCE INSIDE
The Ramparts: Walk along the top of the fort walls for panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and Larnaca’s coastline.
The Courtyard and Cannons: Explore the open-air central courtyard, which houses historical Ottoman-era cannons and ancient tombstones.
The Execution Chamber: Visit the ground-floor western chamber used as a prison and execution site during British rule, where the gallows remained in use until 1948.
The Medieval Museum: Browse a small collection of pottery, weapons, and historical artefacts on the upper floor.
Beat the Heat: Arrive early during the summer. The metal rampart railings absorb intense heat and become too hot to touch by midday.
Spot the Wildlife: Look closely at the ancient stone gaps where large lizards frequently sunbathe on the fortress walls.
Museum hours of operation:
April 16th until September 15th
Weekdays 8.00am – 7.30pm
Weekends 9.30am – 5.00pm
September 16th until April 15th
Weekdays 8.00am – 5.00pm
Weekends 8.00am – 5.00pm
A minimal charge is applied for entry (Children are free)
Tel: 24 304 576
The intercity bus into Larnaca Local bus 425 to Larnaca Fort
