Kyrenia Gate

Description

The Kyrenia Gate (Turkish: Girne Kapısı) is a gate in the formerly existing walls of Nicosia, located in North Nicosia, the capital of the partially recognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. These gates were used for the city's transport connection with the northern territories of the island, including the port city of Kyrenia.

The Kyrenia Gate was built in 1567 by the Venetians as part of the new city walls[1]. Originally, it was called Porta del Provveditore after the Venetian governor of Cyprus, Francesco Barbaro (1488–1568). It was reconstructed by the Ottoman Turks in 1821, and a gatekeeper's lodge was also added[1].

In 1931, British authorities closed the gate, demolishing the walls on both sides to pave roads that allow unobstructed vehicle traffic. In 1946, the last Turkish gatekeeper, Horoz Ali, died at the age of 120.

Today, the gate serves only as a tourist attraction.