Round Tower

🏰 The Round Tower in Kyrenia, North Cyprus – A Window into the Island’s Medieval Past

Standing proudly in the heart of Kyrenia’s old town, the Round Tower is one of the most fascinating medieval landmarks in North Cyprus. Dating back to the 16th century, this impressive stone structure once formed part of the ancient Venetian city walls that protected Kyrenia and its harbour.

Today, the Round Tower (or "Yuvarlak Kule" in Turkish) has been lovingly restored and serves as a charming art and crafts gallery, where visitors can browse local handmade works, paintings, jewellery, and souvenirs — all within a piece of living history.
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🏛️A Glimpse into History

👉 The Round Tower was built during the Venetian period, a time when Kyrenia was an important trading port in the Mediterranean. The Venetians, known for their advanced military architecture, fortified many coastal cities across Cyprus, including Famagusta and Kyrenia.

👉 The tower’s circular design was a clever engineering choice, as it allowed defenders to repel attacks from multiple angles and better absorb cannon fire — a key improvement over the square-shaped fortifications of earlier centuries.

👉 Over the years, the Round Tower has witnessed countless chapters of Kyrenia’s history — from Venetian rule to the Ottoman conquest in 1571, and later, the British colonial era.
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🖼️ The Round Tower Today – From Fortress to Art Space

After standing abandoned for many years, the Round Tower was carefully restored in the early 2000s. Rather than serving a military purpose, it now plays a cultural one.

Today, it houses a local arts and crafts gallery where visitors can discover the work of talented Cypriot artisans. You’ll find:

• Handmade jewellery crafted from local materials.
• Traditional lacework and embroidery, known as Lefkara lace.
• Paintings and photographs depicting Kyrenia’s stunning coastline and old harbour.
• Wood carvings, ceramics, and gifts that make ideal keepsakes or presents.

The tower’s interior retains its original stonework and vaulted ceilings, offering an authentic atmosphere that transports visitors back to the Middle Ages — while celebrating the creativity of modern Cypriots.
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📐Architectural Highlights

The Round Tower is a small but significant example of Venetian military architecture.

• Circular Structure: Built of solid limestone, the tower’s round design helped deflect cannonballs.
• Thick Stone Walls: Up to 2 metres thick in places, providing exceptional protection.
• Slit Windows: Narrow openings once used by archers and later adapted for firearms.
• Rooftop Views: From the upper level, visitors can enjoy a wonderful perspective over Kyrenia’s historic centre and harbour area.
I
ts proximity to Kyrenia Castle suggests it once played a key role in the city’s outer defences, guarding the western approach to the harbour.
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🙈What to See and Do Nearby

👉Kyrenia Harbour - 200 m -Picturesque old harbour lined with restaurants, cafes, and fishing boats.
👉Kyrenia Castle - 300 m - Massive fortress dating back to Byzantine times, housing a shipwreck museum.
👉Icon Museum - 150 m - Former church showcasing a beautiful collection of Byzantine icons.
👉Kyrenia Old Town - Wander through cobbled streets full of boutiques, galleries, and historic charm.
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ℹ️Visiting Information

📌 Location: Ziya Rızkı Caddesi, Kyrenia (Girne) Old Town, North Cyprus
💲Entry Fee: Free
📅Opening Hours: Typically open daily, 10:00 – 18:00 (hours may vary seasonally)
♿Accessibility: Located in the pedestrianised old town; easy walking distance from Kyrenia Harbour
🕒Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds
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✨Why Visit The Round Tower?

• Historic charm: Step inside one of Kyrenia’s oldest surviving Venetian structures.
• Art & culture: Discover the creative talents of North Cyprus’ local artists.
• Photo opportunities: Capture beautiful shots of the stone tower, nearby lanes, and Kyrenia’s harbour.
• Free entry: A short, relaxing stop for travellers exploring the old town.
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📝Travel Tip

After exploring the Round Tower, take a short walk down to Kyrenia Harbour. The area is full of seafront restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy local dishes like halloumi, grilled fish, or a refreshing Cypriot coffee while watching the boats sway in the water.
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🌸 Final Thoughts

The Round Tower in Kyrenia is more than just a remnant of the island’s medieval defences — it’s a living monument that bridges Cyprus’s rich history with its modern creative spirit.

Whether you’re a history lover, art enthusiast, or casual visitor, the Round Tower offers a unique glimpse into Kyrenia’s past while supporting the vibrant local arts scene that continues to thrive within its ancient walls.
A visit here is a reminder that history and culture live side by side in North Cyprus, waiting to be explored one story — and one stone — at a time.