Kantara Castle - İskele

 

 

 

Kantara lies well to the east of Kyrenia and has the best access of all to the three Crusader castles. This is believed to be where Isaac Komnenos surrendered to Richard the Lionheart in 1191. Later it was involved in a number of battles, first involving the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1229 and again during the Genoese invation. With the arrival of the Venetians in the 16th century, all three castles were regarded as no longer vital to defence and were partly demolished. In spite of this Kantara castle is possibly the best preserved.

The first sight is of some fiercely imposing walls but there is easy access along a gravel path leading to the fortified entrance. There is a small entrance charge at times when the warden is present. The south east tower catches the eye for inspection as does the trio of rooms making up the barracks but beyond here the interior is less well preserved.