1. Pafos (Paphos) Castle Paphos
5. ACHAEOLOGICAL SITES - ICON CULTURESPOT Archaeological Sites

Paphos Castle

  • Location

    Kato Paphos harbour, Paphos

    Directions

  • Tickets

    €2,50
    For organised groups consisting of more than 10 persons there is a 20% reduction on the entry fees.
    The Department of Antiquities can issue special entry cards for all its museums and ancient monuments: One (1) day entry cards - €8,50, three (3) day entry cards - €17,00, seven (7) day entry cards - €25,00.

  • Opening Times

    April 16 - September 15, daily: 08:30 - 19:30
    September 16 - April 15, daily: 08:30 - 17:00

    All year round.
    Closed on Public Holidays.

  • Phone

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Note: The CultureSpot team is doing its best to provide the most accurate information through regular updates. However, operating hours, entrance fees and any details thereof are subject to change without prior notice. Visitors are recommended to verify the information before planning their visit.

Dominating the west end of the town's harbor, Paphos Castle (also known as the Medieval Fort) originally served as a Byzantine fortification to safeguard the harbor. It underwent reconstruction by the Lusignans in the 13th century, only to be later dismantled by the Venetians. However, the Ottomans took control of the island and reconstructed the castle in the 16th century. What remains today is the Ottoman restoration from 1592, focusing on the western Frankish tower while incorporating Venetian elements. A testament to this restoration can be found in an inscription above the castle's sole entrance.

The castle's main structure comprises a sizable square tower with an enclosed courtyard at its center. Inside the ground floor, a central hall is flanked by small rooms on each long side, which once served as prison cells during the Ottoman Rule. The roof is adorned with 12 battlements, once housing corresponding cannons. However, in 1878, the Ottomans removed the cannons when they handed over the island's administration to the British. The British repurposed the castle, using it as a salt store until 1935, when it was designated an Ancient Monument under the Antiquities Law.

Getting there

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