Paphos Castle was a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbor. In 1222 it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt by the Lusignans. In the mid-16th century it was destroyed again by Venetians and rebuilt in 1592 by the Ottomans when they captivated the island. During the British period the castle served as a warehouse for salt. It was damaged again by an earthquake and was hit during the bombing of Paphos harbor by the Turkish forces in July 1974. Fortunately the castle was not totally damaged during the bombing. In 1935 the castle was declared an ancient monument under the Antiquities Law and today it hosts various cultural events.
