Buffavento Castle

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 18:12

After 3 years finally did the trek up to the castle today.



I think things have changed over the last few months for getting there. We took the route over the moutains passed Amaranta etc and turned right at the top of the pass, sign posted to castle.



We were expecting a "dirt road" but found a well surfaced road the 6km to the car park. Bit disappointing that the memorial to the 1988 plane crash was destroyed. Anyone know what happened?



Then the climb uphill is stone and concrete path almost to the castle. No fences so take care. This all looks new and makes the climb quite easy. Around the castle it is a bit hairy but well worth the climb.



Did not see much today as a cloud bank came over the mountains from the sea but we are told you can see St Hilarion.



Back to the car and continued on what is obviously a newly surfaced road into Taskent. As you get towards the village there is a brilliant view from above onto The Flag.



cont..

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 18:14

If you do come to Taskent make sure you visit the Martys Memorial Museum.



Even if you do not go to top of castle this is a pleasant drive. From Taskent you can continue to Lefkosa or take the road through Dikmen and Bogaz back to Girne.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11280

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 19:17

Re msg 1, cyprusishome : (...) Anyone know what happened? (...)



===> Yes. Vandalizesed, seven weeks ago.The guilty people were not caught on the sport. I have no great expectations of catching the bastards now.



===> This is history, the way it looked seven/eight weeks ago: http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/IMG_7946_web.jpg



===> Buffavento ("Defier of the wind") was part of the Medieval (Lusignan) defensive system on the North coast of Cyprus. Want to know more? Pleased to tell you!



===> My pleasure to take you out there and tell you about the "old stones" you see! PS. Because: what else than "old stones" DID you see?!!

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 20:24

Brilliant feed back , cheers will def visit .

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 20:31

msge 1



It's a great place David. I went there last year. Great views and the surrounding woodlands are beautiful.

Gets a bit windy up there though as it is a bit of a wind trap. Really cools you down on a hot day.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 21:26

Was it the 5 finger mountain road you took, we were told in December it was too dangerous to go up by road unless you had a 4 wheel drive, this put us off going as I am not up to walking all the way from the main road.

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 22:05

The road is now suitable for all vehicles from the main road right through to Taskent.



This is one of the reasons I have posted, all guides tell you it is not accesible and probably most who live here cos that is what it used to be.



Like many things they are changing here.

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
13/02/2009 22:35

Its a bit hairem scarem on the road up, we did it yesterday, it was worth it though.............

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
14/02/2009 08:23

DC msg 3



Thanks for that info. Just cannot believe some saddo would destroy a memorial such as this. Hopefully it will be replaced.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11280

Message Posted:
14/02/2009 10:58

===> More about Buffavento (and other medieval remains in (Northern) Cyprus:

http://www.allcrusades.com/

===> or here:

http://www.allcrusades.com/CASTLES/castles_all_overview.html

===> or here:

http://www.allcrusades.com/CASTLES_COUNTRIES/castles_cyprus_overview-2.html