Plizio Visual Lab
Saranta Kolones, meaning 'Forty Columns', refers to the ruins of a once-formidable Byzantine castle located near the harbour of Kato Paphos. The fortress was originally constructed in the 7th century as a defensive measure against the escalating Arab maritime invasions. It earned its name from the vast number of grey granite columns found at the site, which were likely scavenged from the city's ancient agora for use in the castle's construction. During the late 12th century, the Lusignans extensively remodeled the site into a compact, square fortress featuring massive corner towers and a deep defensive moat. However, a catastrophic earthquake in 1222 levelled the structure, and it was never rebuilt. Archaeological excavations have revealed intriguing features, including bakeries, mills, and drawbridge foundations. The scattered columns remain a powerful visual testament to Cyprus's military history during the transition from Byzantine to medieval rule.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 89 | 55 | 33 | 18 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 27 | 43 | 92 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Close to the famous Saranta Kolones, Alykes Beach invites you to a wonderful break by the blue sea. The gently sloping shore and soothing water create a welcoming atmosphere for sun worshippers and swimmers alike. This stretch of coastline reveals its full, tranquil charm especially during the morning hours.
