Kolossi Castle – Cyprus Day Trip

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.

Castle Flower

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.

Sugar Mill

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.

Coat Of Arms

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. 

Murder Hole
Courtyard

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.

Outside Courtyard
Ruins

Inside Kolossi Castle

The interior was made up of three floors, each of which was divided into two primary rooms, bisecting the castle.

Enter Main Room
Briana in a Food Nook

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.

Interior Art Display
Falcon Exhibit
Falcon Exhibit

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.

Roof Ramparts
Briana looking out From the Ramaparts
View From the Ramparts

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

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Kolossi Castle

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