St. Hilarion Castle
Perched high in the Kyrenia mountain range, overlooking the Mediterranean and the surrounding areas of North Cyprus, stands the castle of St Hilarion. We climbed it this week. Step after step after step......... We set off in the morning so we wouldn't be caught in the heat of the midday sun. It isn't food related, but I thought I would share some of the fabulous views with you.
The castle lies on the Kyrenia mountain range in North Cyprus and is named after St. Hilarion, a hermit monk who fled from persecution in the Holy Land and lived and died in a cave on the mountains. Later in the 10th century the Byzantines built a church and monastery here.It was the main defense point of the island along with the castles of Buffavento and Kantara against Arab pirates raiding the coast. Some sections were further upgraded under the Lusignan rule.
The castle has three sections. The lower section had the stables and the living quarters for the men-at-arms. The church lies on the middle section and the upper section was reserved for the Royals.There isn't a lot of the castle left, some rooms and walls, but you do get a good impression of the sheer size of it and the views are stunning.
Well worth the gike Jacqueline and little Cooper seemed to enjoy it too:D
ReplyDeleteHe did really well Val and did a lot of the walking and clinbing himself. Had a good sleep once we got down.
ReplyDeleteI remember walking up there with my Hannah when she was little, it is QUITE a walk but the views are more than worth it ~ BEAUTIFUL photos and well done to wee Cooper for making it up there.....lovely post, very poignant for me.
ReplyDeleteKaren
I am bringing back so many memories for you Karen, maybe it is time for you to return for a wee holiday :)
ReplyDeleteThat castle is the stuff of fairy tales - so beautiful. Cracking photos too
ReplyDeleteGoodness, Coop is a good little walker, isn't he? That looks like a long way up! I would be whining (well, it doesn't take much)!
ReplyDeleteFunny, you should say that CC, in the blurb, they say that walt disney's castles are based around this castle.
ReplyDeleteHe was good Tanita, did need a bit of help as the steps were steep at times.
Wow, stunning photos. Little Cooper seems to have done well with the trip. Your young man is such a gem.
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking views. Wish we had mountains that looked like that around here.
ReplyDeleteHe is Lisa and is having such fun :)
ReplyDeleteThe views are stunning, but I can't wish for more than the mountains and views in Scotland TB :)
Those are gorgeous photos, Jacqueline! And Cooper looks so adorable in that hat!
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely stunning Jac - I am now desperate to go to Cyprus. How did you get little Cooper up to the top? Looks like it was quite a climb, but so brilliantly worth it. Glad you;re getting some sunshine finally to make up for your rubbish summer.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous views! Reminds me quite a bit of Sardenga, where my husband is from, and coincidentally, we just returned from. Enjoy your holiday!
ReplyDeleteWow, what fabulous views! How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara :)
ReplyDeleteHe did well, although had to be carried at times Choclette :)
I've never been there Jenn, but if the views are anything like this then it is worth going to :)
It was great Nic, really stunning :)
Those photos are amazing! What a gorgeous place.
ReplyDeleteoh lovely! i'm such a castle buff and this looks like a great outing indeed!
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