Nestled at the edge of Finikoudes Promenade, the grandiose Medieval Castle of the city is said to have been built in the 13th century. The stone-built fort took its present form during the Ottoman Empire’s rule. Lusignan King James I built the fort in order to protect the port of the city. During the British rule, the fort was converted into a prison, where they imprisoned criminals during the first few years of their rule. The west chamber located on the ground floor was used for executions. Apart from being a true architectural jewel, the Medieval Castle of Larnaka is also worth your visit as it exhibits antiquities dating back to the 4th-16 centuries and 18th century swords as well as ancient pottery originating from the 12th-18th centuries and paintings dating back to the 11th-16th centuries.