In the harbour of Kato Paphos, on the westernmost edge of the seafront, lies one of the most interesting places in Paphos, the Port Fortress. Historical sources testify that this harbour was actively used in the time of the great Alexander the Great.
The first fortification in the harbour was built by the Byzantines. It was a small castle with a single entrance, narrow windows, one square tower and a small courtyard. But the building was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1222. Later the fortress was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 4th century. At that time two towers were erected on the coast to protect the city from the sea. Later, when the Turkish army tried to seize power on the island, the Venetians, who owned the territory at that time, completely destroyed the fort, so that the Ottomans could not use it later.
However, in 1592, the Ottomans, who still managed to occupy the city, in place of one of the destroyed towers erected a new fortress, which still stands in the port of Paphos. However, in addition to its main function of defending the city, this fortification also served as a prison for prisoners of war, and weapons and ammunition were stored there. And when the city was captured by the British army, the fortress even served as a salt warehouse.
Now the place is very popular among tourists. The fortress has an exhibition gallery and its roof offers stunning views of the surrounding area. In addition, a cultural festival has recently been organised every September at the walls of the Port Fortress.
