The climb up to Buffavento Castle

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 19:30

Hi everyone,



For those who have been to Buffavento Castle; how hard is it to get to the top? Is it more difficult than Kantara and St. Hilarion?



We passed by it last year but it was late in the afternoon so we decided not to chance it. It looked as though the climb would take quite a while. How long does it take someone of average fitness to get to the top?



Also.....is it worth the climb?



Angela

jfoggy


Joined: 23/12/2006
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 19:37

It's a slow steady climb, mostly steps all the way. Takes about 45mins to walk up at a steady pace. On a clear day well worth the view, the fresh air and the silence. We always take a picnic up with us and while away an hour or so. Never been more than a couple of other people there (Sept/Oct and May/June).

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 19:39

@ msg 1, AngelaT: Buffavento Castle: there is little known about this majestic mountain castle, but you'll find here what is know about this 'Royal prison of the Lusignan dynasty':

▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/CASTLES/CYPRUS/BUFFAVENTO/buffavento-castle-txt-1.html ].



Even more: type Buffavento in the search window of the home page of my website:

▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com ].



It's definitely worth the climb - on a clear day you'll have a stunning view of the Mesoaria plain! And the climb is not as difficult anymore as 10-15 years ago. Do it and enjoy!

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 19:41

Yes it is worth the trek. Fantastic views and you feel the history and spirit of place. Bit of moderate exercise too.

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 19:44

Thanks very much everyone!! I will definitely make the effort this time around. We were worried that we would still be up there when it got dark last year!

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 21:08

Re: Msg 1,



I certainly agree with the previous posters that it is one of the most fascinating places in North Cyprus.

The views from the very top are breathtaking!



As to climbing it, it's more difficult than Kantara, but easier than St Hilarion as it has steps throughout.

It's just takes longer: 45-50 min.



Re: Msg 3,



DC,

Any plans of climbing it with Bo and taking panoramic picture?

It certainly asks for a 360 degree pano to capture those incredible views of the whole island!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 21:16

@ msg 6, Clarissa2: (...) Any plans of climbing it with Bo and taking panoramic picture? (...)



▶ It's on our list for his next visit, which will be early next year.

Enchanted


Joined: 20/07/2008
Posts: 159

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 21:26

We once climbed it on a sunny Christmas morning. Meet a pilot who had just finished his night shift. We shared a champagne breakfast and agreed that it was the most magical place to be. If its cloudy, then save it for another day. If you take your children, take care as there are some open shafts that you need to be careful about.

judyr


Joined: 07/07/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 21:44

Have also thought about this and wondered where the best place is to start. Is it better to walk across from the Buffavento restaurant?

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 21:50

Message 8 Enchanted:



That sounds absolutely 'enchanting'. I remember having a picnic under a tree at Vouni Palace looking out to sea and that was a lovely experience too. Brownie points to you for doing something different on Christmas day!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 21:50

@ msg 9, judyr: Years ago it was almost impossible to drive to Buffavento Castle and many people left their car at the Buffavento restaurant - to walk the seven kilometres to the castle. Not necessary anymore - there's a good road now and a parking place. You start your visit right there!

It's all on my website; see msg 3 in this thread.

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 21:51

Re: Msg 9,



It is a VERY long walk - 8 km!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 21:55

@ msg 12, Clarissa2: (...) It is a VERY long walk - 8 km! (...)



▶ You exaggerate..! It's only seven kilometres (Garmin GPSmap 60 CSx)...

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 22:07

Re: Msg 13,



8 km is a distance given in one of the guide books .

I cannot remember now my GPS reading, was too busy admiring the views and taking pictures!



Re: Msg 7,

Great news! I'm volunteering to carry champagne to the top, which is a very good idea , considering that sometimes it takes ages for the clouds to clear, so you can take a single picture.

Offshore1


Joined: 18/05/2009
Posts: 26

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 23:11

A bit strenuous but I really love this walk. Was tricky to get to on my first time in 1993 as the military discouraged vsitors as it overlooked a camp. In those days no signs from the main road and they were inclined to put "road closed" signs up to deter you as well. The road left something to be desired but an old LHD renault with plenty of ground clearance made it OK. Now an easy drive. Rarely have to share the space with many other people. A great pity that the memorial to the plane crash victims has been destroyed. It wasn't a real work of art but that isn't the point.

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
21/11/2011 23:28

We seen the memorial. Very sad indeed. I don't know what joy people would get out of damaging such things.



Apparantly the walk is much better now. I can't wait to come over in April and finally have a go. Some stout walking shoes are in order I think!

bertieboss


Joined: 22/07/2011
Posts: 149

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 02:47

Drive to the parking area.

Take it steady on the ascent as it is considerably longer than the others and take plenty of drinks.

It's worth the effort!!

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 17:54

Thanks bertieboss. We will be doing this in April so hopefully wev won't be too hot and bothered. I'm not sure. I've never been over in April. I believe it is quite hot even in the spring so we will endeavour to keep ourselves hydrated!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 18:22

... and only a couple of kilometres further on the road (from Buffavento) there's a beautiful, very ancient Greek Orthodox monastery - well worth a stop for a visit, a view and a picnic!

Anyone interested to know more..?!

Offshore1


Joined: 18/05/2009
Posts: 26

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 18:30

"and only a couple of kilometres further on the road (from Buffavento) there's a beautiful, very ancient Greek Orthodox monastery - well worth a stop for a visit, a view and a picnic! "



Is this the monastery that used to be close to a military camp or inaccessible for some reason? It appears to have been restored quite recently.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 18:40

@ msg 20, Offshore1: (...) Is this the monastery that used to be close to a military camp or inaccessible for some reason? It appears to have been restored quite recently. (...)



▶ No! You mean the Ayios Chrysostomos (St. Chrysostom) monastery, which is on Turkish Army land and forbidden to visit. There's a rocky road from Buffavento castle leading to the monastery, but unfortunately there's also a sign explaining why you'd better not drive on...

This is the Ayios Chrysostomos (St. Chrysostom) monastery, photographed from a considerable distance.

▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/DSCN7994_cut.jpg ].



But, in msg 19 I was writing about a far more interesting ancient monument...

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 18:47

Hans, Message 19: Yes please! I'm not sure if I we saw this last time. Could you provide some info?



Thanks



Angela

AndyR



Joined: 23/04/2009
Posts: 317

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 19:23

Some photos of the castle that I took this April .....

https://picasaweb.google.com/NevisGuide/BuffaventoCastle

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 19:33

Thanks Andy. They are great photos!



Castles in such beautiful surroundings provide such great photo opportunities! I took loads of photos at St Hilarion and Kantara. Hope to do the same again at Buffavento in April. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Offshore1


Joined: 18/05/2009
Posts: 26

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 19:37

DC - "But, in msg 19 I was writing about a far more interesting ancient monument"



I'm intrigued - can we know more please?

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 20:07

Re: Msg 19,



Is it Panagia Apsinthiotissa?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 20:42

@ msg 26, Clarissa2: (...) Is it Panagia Apsinthiotissa? (...)



Yes (several spellings acceptable)!

▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/DSCN7982+3+4_pano_web.jpg ].



▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/DSCN7817_web.jpg ].



If I have time this week I'll upload the history of this beautiful monastery and an extended photobook.

AngelaT


Joined: 25/04/2011
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 20:51

Message 27:



Ah yes, Hans. We came across this monastery whilst driving about last year. We didn't know anything about it at the time, though. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 20:57

Re: Msg 27,

DC,

thank you.



I've been only looking at the monastery through binoculars.

So many things to visit yet!

Very interesting, waiting for your post about its history and photos.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 21:06

The only remaining monastic building of the Panagia Apsinthiotissa complex, nicely restored:



▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/CD/DSCN7818_web.jpg ].

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 21:07

Sorry, error in the link...



▶ [ http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/DSCN7818_web.jpg ].

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
22/11/2011 21:10

Re: Msg 31,



Do you know who did the restoration please?