Places to visit in Kyrenia

Aga Cafer Pasha Mosque is a building that has survived since the Ottoman rule of Cyprus. This architecturally admired work has been serving as a place of worship for centuries. The mosque is a beautiful building that you can come across while walking through the narrow streets of Kyrenia.

St. Andrew’s Church is an Anglican place of worship in Northern Cyprus. Anglicanism has its origins in England and the Royal family. This church is one of the two Anglican churches actively serving in the northern part of Cyprus and is of great importance to the British people and visitors to the island.

Bandabulya Kyrenia, with its 250 years old historical building, is still frequented by the people of Kyrenia today. This building, whose name has a meaning similar to the Greek shopping center, preserves its historical texture. A visit here will both relax you, experience the Cypriot culture and take you on a historical journey.

The Shipwreck Museum is very important because it opens a small window into ancient maritime history. The museum carries the traces of centuries ago about the growing and developing maritime trade in the Mediterranean. This exhibition, which contains the remains of a Greek merchant ship dating back to 389 BC and even its cargo, is definitely one of the top places to visit in Cyprus.

Bellapais Manastırı, 13. yüzyıldan kalma bir manastırın kalıntılarından oluşan, Kuzey Kıbrıs’ın en popüler turistik lokasyonlarından biridir. Girne’nin yaklaşık beş kilometre kuzeyinde, Beşparmak Dağları’nın eteklerinde konumlanmış bu manastır, muhteşem manzarası, tarihi ve mimarisi ile ziyaretçileri her yıl binlerce turistin akınına uğramaktadır.

The Beşparmak Mountain hike is one of the most unforgettable adventures awaiting you in Northern Cyprus. Along the hiking route, you can observe the natural and historical beauties of Cyprus with its imposing castles and unique vegetation. This route, which is one of the few natural hiking trails in the world, will be a breath of fresh air that you will not want to breathe and leave.

Buffavento Castle is located on the northern coast of Cyprus, 960 meters high in the Beşparmak Mountains. The castle attracts tourists every year with its towering walls and breathtaking view. Buffavento Castle has a long history dating back to the Byzantine period. Together with St. Hilarion and Kantara castles, it has been an important part of the island’s defense line.

Chrysopolitissa Church, located near Kyrenia Harbor, takes its visitors back to the Middle Ages with its 500 years of history. This building, which has the characteristics of Latin church architecture, preserves its historical texture even though it is in ruins today. The church attracts attention with its Gothic door as well as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at the entrance.

Kyrenia Icon Museum, formerly Archangelos Michael Church, is an Orthodox Christian place of worship built in the 19th century. In 1990, this building, which was converted into a museum, houses the icons of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus in the north. The icons of John the Baptist, the Virgin Mary and St. George are among the most remarkable works of the museum.

Kyrenia Port is an attraction center that fascinates its visitors with its historical and natural beauties. Used since ancient times, the port has been home to different civilizations such as the Venetians, Ottomans and the British. The imposing walls of Kyrenia Castle reflect the rich history of the harbor. You can take boat tours in the harbor, explore the underwater world, sunbathe on the beaches and enjoy Cypriot cuisine in delicious restaurants.

The Greco-Roman Rock Tombs, among the oldest ruins of Kyrenia, were built between the 1st century BC and the 7th century AD. These chamber tombs provide information about burial traditions in ancient times. Located near Kyrenia Castle, the tombs are an important archaeological site that sheds light on the history of the city.

Hasan Kavizade Hüseyin Efendi Fountain was built in 1841 and survived from the late Ottoman period. Located near the Aga Cafer Pasha Mosque, this fountain is a beautiful example of historical Ottoman architecture. The marble inscriptions and stone carved symbols on the fountain offer visitors a historical journey.

The Tomb of Hz. Ömer in Northern Cyprus belongs to the Companion Hz. Ömer, who was the commander of the first naval expedition to Cyprus in 647. The mausoleum also serves as a mosque and recreation area. It is an ideal place to spend a pleasant day with its playground, basketball court and cafe.

Built in memory of 71 Turkish soldiers who were martyred in the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, Karaoğlanoğlu Martyrdom is a place where national feelings are intense. The museum within the martyrdom tells the history of the clashes and the stories of the heroic soldiers.

Located at the foot of the Beşparmak Mountains, Karmi Village has a peaceful atmosphere with its old white Cypriot houses and lush green nature. The village offers a different cultural experience to its visitors with its residents, mostly British and German couples.

Located in the village of Tatlısu in Famagusta, the Miniature Cyprus Museum displays small-scale models of historical buildings in the TRNC. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and architectural heritage of Cyprus.

Panayia Pergaminiotissa Church in the village of Tatlısu is an Orthodox church dating from the 11th century. The restored church now serves as a museum, a café and a recreation area surrounded by lavender gardens.

Rising on the summit of Mount Besparmak, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, Saint Hilarion Castle is much more than just a castle. With its mysterious atmosphere full of legends, fairytale architecture and breathtaking views, the magnificent castle has witnessed a huge part of Cyprus’ history.

The Armenian Monastery of Saint Magar is a historic hermitage overlooking the North side of the Beşparmak Mountains. It is considered very sacred for Armenians, but today it is abandoned. The monastery is a testament to Cyprus’ history of tolerance even under the control of different civilizations.

Seyyid Emin Efendi Water Cistern played an important role in meeting Kyrenia’s water needs for nearly 200 years. Today, this cistern has become a stop for historical journeys, like Seyyid Emin Efendi and other legacies of the Ottoman period.

The Round Tower is a giant that has served the security of the people of Kyrenia for many years. Built with stones from the Roman period, this tower is known to be at least 700 years old. Nowadays, you should definitely visit this stone tower, which is highly appreciated by tourists with its architecture and shop.