Larnaca Castle (Κάστρο Λάρνακας), also known as the Larnaca Fort, is a medieval stone fortress located at the southern end of the Foinikoudes (Finikoudes) promenade in the heart of Larnaca, Cyprus. Originally constructed during the Middle Ages to defend the city’s harbour, the castle has served various purposes throughout its long history, including as an Ottoman garrison, a prison, and now a museum. Its strategic seaside location and well-preserved structure make it a prominent historical landmark and a key focal point of the city’s vibrant waterfront.

Name and Address

• Name: Larnaca Castle (also Larnaca Fort).
• Address: Foinikoudes Promenade, Larnaca, Cyprus.

How to Get There

The castle’s central location on the main promenade of Larnaca makes it extremely easy to access.

• By Foot (Recommended): If you are anywhere in the central Larnaca or Foinikoudes beach area, the castle is just a short and pleasant walk along the seaside promenade.
• By Bus: The main Foinikoudes bus stop, which serves routes from across the city and the airport, is just a few minutes’ walk from the castle.
• By Car: While you can drive, parking directly at the castle is limited. It is generally easier to park in one of the municipal lots nearby and walk.
• Visitor Tip: The castle houses a small museum and offers beautiful views from its ramparts. A visit is typically short (around an hour) and can be easily combined with a stroll along the beach, a visit to the nearby Church of Saint Lazarus, and exploring the surrounding old town.

Landscape and Architecture

The architecture of Larnaca Castle reflects its long and layered history, set against the beautiful landscape of the Mediterranean coast.

• Seaside Fortress: The castle is situated directly on the coast, with its walls overlooking the sea and the Foinikoudes beach. This strategic position was crucial for defending the city’s main port throughout history.
• Medieval and Ottoman Construction: The current structure is primarily from the Ottoman period, built in 1625 over the ruins of an earlier, larger Lusignan-era fortress from the 14th century. The architecture is a blend of these different periods, showcasing the practical, robust style of a military fortification.
• Architectural Features: The castle is a two-story stone structure with a rectangular courtyard. Visitors can explore the various rooms, climb the ramparts for panoramic views of the sea and the city, and see historical cannons displayed in the courtyard. The entrance on the north side was built during the Ottoman era.
• The Courtyard and Museum: The inner courtyard is now an open-air theatre used for cultural events during the summer. The upper floor of the castle houses the small Larnaca Medieval Museum, which displays artifacts from the Early Christian to the Ottoman periods, including pottery, metalware, and tombstones.

What Makes It Famous

Larnaca Castle is famous for its historical role as a defender of the city and for its prominent location on the iconic Foinikoudes promenade.

• A Symbol of Larnaca: The castle is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Larnaca, serving as a historical anchor at the end of its famous beachfront promenade.
• British Colonial Prison: During the British colonial period, the castle was used as a prison. Gallows were installed in the courtyard to carry out executions, a grim chapter in its history that is part of its museum display today.
• Strategic Defensive Post: For centuries, it was the primary defensive structure for the city’s port, playing a key role in the history of Larnaca under the Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans, and British.
• Cultural Venue: Today, the castle is a vibrant cultural venue, with its courtyard hosting concerts, theatre performances, and the Larnaca Medieval Festival, bringing the historic space to life.

Differences from Other Wonders

Larnaca Castle offers a different experience compared to other castles and archaeological sites in Cyprus.

• A Coastal Fort vs. an Inland Keep: Unlike the inland, agricultural setting of Kolossi Castle, Larnaca Castle is a true coastal fortress, built directly on the sea to defend a harbour. Its identity is tied to maritime defense, not to a feudal estate.
• Ottoman and British History vs. Crusader Origins: While Kolossi Castle is a prime example of Crusader (Hospitaller) architecture, Larnaca Castle’s current form is predominantly Ottoman. Furthermore, its well-documented use as a prison and execution site by the British gives it a more modern and somber layer of history.
• A Compact Fort vs. a Sprawling Ancient City: Compared to the vast, sprawling archaeological sites of Ancient Kourion or the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, Larnaca Castle is a single, compact, and well-defined building. It tells the story of a specific military and administrative structure, rather than an entire ancient city.
• Integration with a Modern City: The castle is not an isolated ruin in the countryside; it is fully integrated into the bustling heart of modern Larnaca. Its location at the end of a lively public beach and promenade makes it a much more urban and accessible landmark than more remote historical sites.