As my parents were visiting for a few days, we decided to go and see some of the sights and because of our close proximity to Limassol, we decided to see the Kolossi Castle. We combined the trip with a visit to Kourion ruins which are just west of Limassol on Cyprus.
Kolossi Castle Cyprus – Cyprus Day Trip
The original castle was built in 1210 by the Frankish military and was given by King Hugh I to the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The castle served as a strategic stronghold throughout the Middle Ages and during the Crusades. In the early 1300s, the castle briefly changed hands between the Knights Templar and the Hospitallers.
The present castle was built in 1454 by the Hospitallers. It stands a single three-story keep within an attached rectangular enclosure. The compound also has a sugar processing building just outside the enclosure, that is mostly in ruins, but during its time would process cane sugar, which was a major crop of Limassol.
The region was an important (and to this day remains) region for the production of Commandaria Wine. Considered to be the oldest named wine in history, with documented evidence extending back millennia, it was commended by King Richard the Lionheart’s marriage as the King of Wines. Whether it is truly the oldest wine is debatable, but it does seem certain to be the oldest dessert wine in existence.
Kolossi Castle Exterior
When we arrived, the castle was basically deserted, and we enjoyed a run of the castle primarily to ourselves. Although simple, it was still quite grand in its construction and featured all the basic tenets one would expect of a castle from a drawbridge and dungeon to feasting hall, ramparts, and portico. It was actually more impressive than we expected.
The exterior had a courtyard with some arches to explore, as well as ruins from the various buildings immediately surrounding the Keep, and a small garden.
Inside Kolossi Castle
The interior was made up of three floors, each of which was divided into two primary rooms, bisecting the castle.
The interior also housed some form of a local art museum with an exhibit called the Falcons of Kolossi. It appeared to be art from local schools with a common theme of falcons. Most likely this was just a temporary thing, but nevertheless, it was there while we were there. Each floor could be reached via a spiral staircase.
At the very top, was a flat roof with ramparts along all edges. From up here, we had great views of the surrounding Kolossi village as well as the somewhat distant Limassol.
General Info
- Address: Λεωφ. Αρχιεπισκόπου Μακαρίου Γ’, Kolossi, Cyprus
- Admission: is €2.50
- Hours: April – Sept: 8:00am – 7:30pm / Oct – March: 8:00am – 5:30 pm
Kolossi Castle Cyprus – Cyprus Day Trip – Pin It!
