Byzantine Marine Gate

The sea gate of the Kastro of the Byzantine period still exists, 37 metres east of the entrance of the Great Hospital of the Knights (now the Archaeological Museum). In connects the square (Megalou Alexandrou or Museum Square) to Ermou St. In the late 14th century it was protected by an advance wall extending southwards from the tower of the Arnaldi Gate. This advance wall was reinforced by grand master Pierre d'Aubusson in the last quarter of the 15th century.

Today the Byzantine Marine Gate of the Kastro passes unnoticed, as the curtain wall on either side of it is concealed by later buildings. Moreover, it appears that in the Italian period (1912-43) it was clumsily enlarged to facilitate the passage of motor-cars towards the harbour, when the Italians opened a new passage through the Hospitaller advance wall 12 metres further east.