Stepping into the heart of Northern Cyprus, one can’t help but be captivated by the rich tapestry of history that unfolds in every corner. Among the many jewels of Kyrenia, the Torture Museum stands out, not just for its grim nature but for the stories it tells of a bygone era.
The Majestic Kyrenia Fortress
Kyrenia Fortress is an architectural gem of Northern Cyprus, preserving numerous significant artifacts from past centuries within its walls. One of its most intriguing exhibits is the Torture Museum. The fortress itself has seen the rise and fall of many empires, with its first walls being erected during the Roman Empire. Parts of Byzantine structures from the 7th century still stand today, bearing witness to the tumultuous history of the region.
The Dark Depths of the Dungeon
The Torture Museum, located within Kyrenia Castle, occupies a dungeon that once served as a prison. To access the museum, one must head to the northern part of the fortress and descend. The entrance fee to the Torture Museum is included in the ticket price for Kyrenia Fortress: an adult ticket costs 20 Turkish lira, while children under 12 enter for free.
A Glimpse into the Past
The initial walls of the fortress were constructed during the Roman Empire era. Remnants of Byzantine structures from the 7th century are still visible today. The fortress changed hands multiple times until it came under the rule of the Jerusalem kings – the Lusignan dynasty. Between 1208 and 1211, the fortress’s territory was significantly expanded under Jean d’Ibelin’s leadership. A new building was erected near the western wall during this period, housing a prison in its basement. This very prison is now home to the Torture Museum.
The prison was designed to incarcerate nobles, primarily the Knights Templar. One of its most famous inmates was Joanna L’Alemann, the mistress of King Peter I, imprisoned by the king’s wife. Despite the numerous exhibits, many prisoners met their end not from torture devices but from being thrown into a narrow shaft, left to die a slow death from starvation. One of the most significant imprisonments occurred in 1310 when 22 noble knights who attempted to revolt against the Lusignans were chained together and left to starve.
The Gruesome Exhibits
The museum showcases scenes of medieval torture inflicted upon knights. Lifelike mannequins leave an indelible impression on visitors: crucified bodies with taut muscles and bruises, faces contorted in horror. These wax figures are displayed on walls and torture wheels, with some placed in deep pits, their hands raised (visitors occasionally toss coins into these pits). Alongside the tortured are the mannequins of executioners and guards, their faces stern and indifferent to the prisoners’ suffering. A priest’s model stands in one corner, blessing the inmates on their final journey.
What sets this museum apart from other similar exhibits is its vivid displays. Instead of merely showcasing torture instruments, it graphically demonstrates their use. Due to its extreme realism, the museum has an age restriction of 13+. Additionally, the exhibits depict the prisoners in the nude.
Navigating to the Torture Museum
Kyrenia Fortress is centrally located and easily recognizable by its monumental walls. Directly opposite is Kyrenia’s central harbor, with a bus station within walking distance. The closest public transport stop is “Girne Otobus İstasyonu,” a mere 5-minute walk away. Depending on your starting point, either from the Greek or Turkish side, the route to Kyrenia Fortress varies. From the Greek side, you’ll need to pass through border control, undergo passport verification, and present a vehicle insurance document (available at the border). The nearest checkpoint is in Agios Dometios, a suburb of the island’s capital, Nicosia. The journey from the border to Kyrenia spans 25 km. Parking is available at a paid parking lot on the fortress’s eastern side.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, especially non-English speakers, it’s advisable to take a guided tour. This way, you’ll not only learn about the functioning of each torture device but also the tragic tales of the prison’s famous inmates.
Embarking on a journey through the Torture Museum is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a stark reminder of the brutalities of the past, a testament to the lengths humans can go in their quest for power and control. Yet, it’s an essential visit for history enthusiasts, offering a unique insight into a dark chapter of Kyrenia’s past.
