Paphos Castle
Paphos Castle is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Paphos audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type castle
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Paphos Paphos guide
About Paphos Castle
The square stone fort that guards the mouth of Paphos harbour, a much-rebuilt castle from Byzantine, Lusignan, Venetian and Ottoman hands, now the emblem of the waterfront and the stage of a summer opera festival.
Paphos Castle stands at the western end of Kato Paphos harbour, a compact square fort that is the emblem of the waterfront. A Byzantine fort first guarded the port here; the Lusignan rulers built the castle, the Venetians dismantled its western tower in 1570 to deny it to the advancing Ottomans, and the Ottomans rebuilt that tower in 1592, the date recorded over the entrance. Under Ottoman rule it held a garrison and served as a prison; the British later used it as a salt store.
The main block is a large rectangular tower around a closed courtyard, with a small tower on the roof reached for views over the harbour. Each year in late summer the square before the castle becomes an open-air stage for the Pafos Aphrodite Festival, when opera is sung against the floodlit walls, a tradition since 1998.
Did you know? A Byzantine fort first guarded the harbour; the Lusignans built the castle, the Venetians dismantled its western tower in 1570 to deny it to the Ottomans, who rebuilt it in 1592.
How long should you spend at Paphos Castle?
Plan about ~30 min at Paphos Castle. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Paphos Castle worth visiting?
Paphos Castle is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Paphos, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Paphos
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Paphos Castle and read more:
Day 1 of the Paphos in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Paphos Castle
Preview the Paphos tour free in the Gingerguide app.