Description
St. Hilarion is one of the Five Finger Mountain Range's three mountaintop castles. It stands a proud 732 metres above sea level and has a wealth of features for the visitor. Among these are; the Gate House, the Queen's Window, the Barbican, the Royal Apartments, the Cistern, the Kitchens, the Belvedere, Prince John's Tower and the Byzantine Church.
ike the castles of Buffavento and Kantara further to the west, St. Hilarion was constructed to afford protection against attacks by Arab corsairs raiding the Cyprus coast during the 7 century. The castle takes its name, not from St. Hilarion the Great, the founder of monasticism in Palestine who died near Paphos about A.D. 371, but after a later saint, of whom little is known.
The name first appears in records in 1191. In spite of the castle having, at one time, a vital strategic function, it was used by the Lusignans mainly as a summer retreat. With the advent of cannon artillary and the increasing importance attached to coastal defences, St. Hilarion, along with the Kantara and Buffavento castles, lost its functionality and importance. The castle has three parts. The parapets for the defence of the main entrance were fortified by the Byzantines in the 11th century. The lower section of the castle was used for military purposes. The middle section contained the Royal Palace, the kitchens, the church and a large cistern. At the entrance to the castle in the upper section there is the Lusignan Gate. Between the two hills there is a courtyard. The nobility resided in the Eastern section whilst the kitchens and the other rooms for daily use were in the western section. The panoramic view through the Queen's Window, carved in the Gothic style, on the second floor of the royal apartments is outstanding. The Prince John Tower is at the very top of the castle.
Legend and folklore also abound around Saint Hilarion Castle, with tales of ghosts, hidden treasures, and secret passages captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. One such legend tells of Queen Eleanor of Cyprus, who is said to have taken refuge in the castle during a storm and discovered a hidden treasure within its walls.
Today, Saint Hilarion Castle stands as a striking monument to Cyprus's rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's storied past and a chance to explore its labyrinthine corridors, imposing towers, and breathtaking vistas. As the sun sets over the Mediterranean, casting a golden glow upon its weathered stones, Saint Hilarion Castle remains a symbol of resilience, endurance, and the timeless allure of history.
Location
876J+C7 Karaman