Forty Columns Castle, located near Paphos is one of the many fortified castles of Cyprus, which were created to defend the territory against Arab raids. Earlier it was believed that this castle was built in the 13th century, but archaeological excavations in recent years indicate that the castle was built in the 7th century by the Byzantines, but later, in the early 13th century, when Guy de Lusignan became the head of the Cypriot kingdom, the castle was completely rebuilt. However, in 1222, the structure was almost completely destroyed due to a strong earthquake.
The fortress got its name due to the large number of granite columns that supported the vault of the castle. Presumably, all the columns were specially brought from the Greek city of Agora. Initially, the castle was surrounded by a massive wall, the thickness of which was about three metres, in front of it was traditionally dug and filled with water deep moat. The castle was also protected by eight fortified towers. It was possible to get to the castle territory only by a wooden lift bridge. The area of the courtyard was quite small - only 35 square metres.
Despite the fact that now from the castle of Forty Columns remained almost only ruins, it is one of the greatest archaeological values not only in Cyprus, but also in the world. You can still admire the columns, the miraculously preserved remains of the towers, the spiral staircases, the gloomy dungeons and cellars that once housed a blacksmith's shop, a bathhouse, a mill and even a stable.
