Club Acapulco

Eyes against evil

by travelthrough

Eyes as a protection against evil people or the evil eye are painted and placed on the doors or below house numbers in many parts of Girne´s old town. This belief is common in many regions around the Mediterranean, Turkey and the Near East.

Kyrenia Castle - Girne Calesi

by call_me_rhia

Kyrenia Castle is a very old tetragonal castle by the harbour, with a prominent Venetian Tower.
We know that in 1191 A.D. there was a castle there already, but it is possible that it may be older. The area, in fact, was inhabited even as far back the Hellenistic and Roman Period (111 - 11 B.C.)

The castle was built in three main stages, by three different "generations" of people: the Byzantine Period, the Lusignans and the Venetians. What they had in common was the defensive purposes that they wanted to give to it. The last peple who took possession of it, did not carry out any alterations; it was during the British Colonial administration, and back then it was used as a prison and police school.

There are two impressive sights about this castle (other than where it is located). One is the massive Lusignan Tower and the shipwreck museum.

Shipwreck Contents (Kyrenia Castle)

by easyoar

The Shipwreck in Kyrenia Castle (see other tip) was carrying amphorae, stones for grinding grain and food. Some of these items are displayed in the remainder of the museum. There are several of the well preserved amphorae that have been placed in a mock-up of a cross-section of the boat that sunk. It makes quite a nice display.

The darkened doorway seen behind this cross-section of boat, is the entrance into the room containing the shipwreck, which is kept very dim to help in the preservation of the boat.

Kyrenia ~ Girne

by Loubna

"The port and castle"

Kyrenia, or Girne in Turkish, is one of those magic places which is a must if visiting the North of Cyprus.

It is 30 minutes away from Nicosia, driving through the mountains.

The beautiful castle around the port gives it a magical feeling.

Take your time to scroll around the whole castle. You can go and visit inside but I haven't done it.

"The port"

There are many bars and cafes on the port and it makes a very scenic area to stop and laze around taking in the view.

Since the crossings have been open the prices have gone up and quality is not always there.

"The port"

The buildings around the port give the feeling of being in Italy with beautiful stones.