This castle’s name means ‘Defier of Winds’, which is what it needs to do suspended, and exposed, so far up a cliff face, surveying the surrounding valley. As well as defying the winds this castle also needed to defy the Arabs who were pushing into northern Cyprus by conducting raids on towns. Buffavento and the castles in line with it along the ridges of mountains were high enough up to signal each other and close enough to call for enforcements.

In less defiant times the castle guarded a mountain pass and in more defiant times it was a prison.

The castle was probably originally constructed by the Byzantines in the 10th Century, but its current, more Gothic look, dates from the 14th Century.

The military still owns the castle, which translates to a military style access road more suited to jeeps than family saloons, and unpredictable opening hours. If you’re timing is good you’ll find it free, and stone stairs cut into the rock to lead you up to the castle.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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