Larnaca Castle is a beautiful spot. It forms a mixture of castle walls, a beautiful garden with great atmosphere and museum rooms with very different objects. Moreover you get delightful views over the city and the sea of Larnaca. Take an hour or so for an interesting visit.

Originally, Larnaca Castle dates from the 14th century. Later the Ottomans used it, as well as the English. During the English period one specific room was used to hang their convicts in colonial times.

Despite this one horror room, Larnaca Castle is a lovely place to wander around, over the walls and through the gardens. As a museum, it is really fun. It seems all objects that deserve a museum, are put into this museum. So you find 20th century historical pictures, 18-19th century metal houshold ustensils, 18th century guns, Byzantine – Venetian – Ottoman grave stones and even 20th century German cannons. You won’t be bored 🙂

And what I liked most of all was the medieval (12-14th CE) pottery in a side room in Larnaca Castle: with incredible pictures that could be 21st century art productions: absolutely adorable!
Later I found out that you can buy copies of them in the Cyprus Museum shop in Nicosia. A very good idea, because it is modern art as well as medieval art. Alas they do not send them by post so you have to find a way yourself to transport them.

Larnaca Castle has opening hours until late – so paying a visit at 17.30 when the sun is not so hot anymore is recommendable, also because the early evening light gives your visit a special beauty. Another possibility is to visit one of the cultural activities offered in the courtyard during the summer.

Other interesting castles or castle-like spots:
Gaziantep castle and museum
Aubeterre underground church