If you are planning a holiday in North Cyprus then one thing that you must do during your stay is to hire a car and drive to St. Hilarion Castle. St. Hilarion Castle is not far from Girne and is an excellent day trip for the entire family.

The History of St. Hilarion Castle

St. Hilarion Castle is located in North Cyprus and was built on the site where a monk who became known as St Hilarion lived as a hermit in a cave on the mountainside. During the 10th Century the Byzantines built monastery and church which was later expanded into a castle during the 12th Century. This castle was used as a defense against the Arab pirates who were prone to attacks at the time. In the 15th Century the castle was decommissioned and it later fell to the ruins we see today.

There is little known about Hilarion himself other than that fact that he was the founder of the monasticism in Palestine and that he lived a hermits life in a cave and died in the year 371 near Paphos. According to local legend, Hilarion is one of the three hundred saints who sought refuge when the Arabs took over the holy land.

The earliest references that are written about St. Hilarion Castle are found in the accounts of Richard the Lionheart and his island campaign of 1191. Hilarion was attacked but resisted. At this time in history the castle was known as Didymus which means the twins and was named so after the twin crests that crown the mountain peak where it is built.

Throughout history St. Hilarion Castle has been under constant attack but had survived and eventually became a summer residence for the royal family. The lower section of the castle was where the soldiers and horses were housed. The middle section contained what was known as the royal palace, the kitchen, and a church. In the upper section at the entrance to the castle you will find a Lusignan gate. There is also the famous Queen's window which is famous for its panoramic views.

There is still plenty to see during a visit to St. Hilarion castle and there are still traces of two paintings on the south walls which replicate the style of the 12th Century. The castle itself has a very romantic and yet eerie feel to it with astonishing views and a myriad of places to explore.

Driving To St. Hilarion Castle

St. Hilarion Castle is located west of the main Kyrenia-Nicosia highway and is the westernmost of three castles located in the Kyrenia Mountain range. If you are driving from Kyrenia you will need to take the main road out of the town that is signposted towards Nicosia (Lefkosia). You will then take the road that leads into the Kyrenia mountain range and you will pass the silhouette of Ataturk which is high on your right. At the top of this mountain climb about 45 meters you will see a sign for St. Hilarion Castle indicating that you turn to the right. After this right turn you will follow the route as directed by the army signs. You will need to be aware that this is in fact a controlled road and you are not allowed to stop or take photographs.

The road to St. Hilarion Castle is narrow and twisty so drive with care. You will pass the Turkish Military Camp as you continue to make your way up the mountain. From here the view of Kyrenia harbour is spectacular. The road will continue to the base of the castle walls and here you will find a car park and a small snack bar.

If you are traveling during the summer months, you are best advised to schedule your visit for early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The reason for this is that you have to climb to the top and this is nearly 730m and very tiring.

When climbing St. Hilarion you are advised to wear walking shoes and bring with you a camera, water, and anything else you may need. There are a number of steep drops so take extra care if accompanied by your children. The Troodos Mountains and the spectacular scenery that is visible from the castle are amazing and the view of the town of Kyrenia is breathtaking.

Getting to St. Hilarion Castle may well be an adventure what with the narrow roads etc, but it really is a day that you won't forget so be sure you hire a car during your stay in North Cyprus and make a point of visiting St. Hilarion Castle.


Visit Berkan Ocal's website for more information about car rental in Cyprus.