Saranda Kolones Fortress
Inside the Paphos Archaeological Park, just north of the old harbor, a pile of broken stones and toppled columns marks where one of Cyprus's most important medieval fortresses once stood. Saranta Kolones, which translates to Forty Columns, served as the main defensive stronghold protecting Paphos during a turbulent period when Arab raids threatened the island. Today, visitors walk among its ruins and discover a fortress that endured multiple rebuilds, witnessed crucial historical events, and met a violent end in one of the worst earthquakes ever to strike Cyprus. Historical Background The fortress was built at the end of the 7th century AD under Byzantine rule. Historical records indicate that Theodore, the brother of Emperor Heraclius I, supervised its construction. At that time, the Arab Caliphate had emerged as a powerful force in the Middle East, and Cyprus found itself in the path of expansion. Arab forces launched raids on the island, making coastal cities particularly vulnerable. Paphos, with its strategic harbor and position on shipping routes, needed strong defenses. The Byzantine builders created a formidable structure. The fortress featured walls three meters thick, substantial enough to resist siege weapons of that era. Four massive corner towers anchored the defenses, with four additional intermediate towers positioned along the connecting walls. A moat surrounded the entire complex, and access was only possible…
Read more
