Kolossi Castle, Limassol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to our blog, where we will be exploring the fascinating Kolossi Castle in Limassol, Cyprus. This castle has been standing since the 13th century and offers visitors a unique look into the country’s history. We’ll explore the interesting facts and information about the castle, and provide a helpful travel guide to help you plan your visit. We hope you enjoy learning about the history and beauty of this landmark as much as we did!

Interesting Facts About Kolossi Castle, Limassol

1. Kolossi Castle was the site of the famed 1373 Battle of Kolossi which was fought between the Knights Hospitaller and the Mamluks.

2. The castle was originally constructed by the Frankish crusaders of the Hospitaller order in 1210 as a recipient of the nearby Kyrenia Castle.

3. It has remained in relative good condition since its construction and is still clearly visible from the nearby town of Limassol.

4. The castle is thought to have been built in the Gothic architectural style of the Knights Hospitaller and features two large towers.

5. It also contains a number of well-preserved historical relics, including a set of bronze flagons and a collection of ancient weapons.

6. Sightings of a ghostly figure atop one of the castle’s turrets is said to still occasionally hang in the misty sky above Kolossi.

7. The castle was also used to store wine and as a defensive structure during the Ottoman invasion of Cyprus in the mid-16th century.

8. In 1566, the castle was unsuccessfully besieged by Venetian forces, and in 1629 it was retaken by the Knights Hospitaller.

9. In 1878, the castle was occupied by the British Army during the Cypress campaign and was used as a garrison and signal station.

10. Today, Kolossi Castle is a popular tourist spot, and is open to the public for guided visits and events.

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History & Information About Kolossi Castle, Limassol

Cyprus

Kolossi Castle is a 13th-century castle located in the village of Kolossi in southwest Cyprus. The castle is important to the culture of Cyprus as it stands on the site of the former Grand Commandery of the Knights Hospitaller, the order of Knights of Knights of St John. The castle is therefore highly associated with the country’s Crusader history.

The castle was originally built in 1210 by the Knights of the Order of St John and was later destroyed by the Mamluks in the late 13th century. The surviving remains of the castle are a 14th-century keep and walled enclosure, built by the French House of Lusignan. It is one of the finest surviving examples of a Crusader castle in all of Cyprus, and is highly regarded for its historical significance.

The keep of the castle is constructed of dressed, finely cut natural stone and has two floors, with several rooms and battlements. The keep is framed by eight towers and originally contained a chapel. Other features of the castle include secret passageways, a drawbridge, dungeons, a small garden, and a large courtyard.

Kolossi Castle has appeared in many films, television series, and documentaries. In addition, it is open to the public for visits, tours, and events.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Kolossi Castle, Limassol

Kolossi Castle is a historic medieval castle located in the Limassol district of Cyprus. It was originally built in 1210 by the Knights of the Order of St. John and later rebuilt by the Hospitaller Knights of the Order of St. John in the 15th century. Today, the castle stands as a popular tourist attraction in Limassol, offering fascinating insights into the history and culture of this Mediterranean island.

Here is a guide for visiting Kolossi Castle:

Getting There

Kolossi Castle is located in Kolossi, Cyprus, about 20 kilometers outside of the city of Limassol. The easiest way to get there is by car, though there is also a bus from Limassol to the castle, taking around 40 minutes.

Entry and Fees

Admission to the castle is €2 for adults, and free for children under 12.

Guided Tours

The castle offers guided tours of the castle and its grounds, ranging from short introductory tours of 15 minutes, to more in-depth tours of 45 minutes. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will provide an engaging, informative experience.

Visiting Hours

Kolossi Castle is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Facilities

The castle has basic toilet facilities and a gift shop offering souvenirs and memorabilia. Refreshments are also available for purchase at the gift shop.

Other Attractions

Near the castle, visitors can explore the medieval village of Kolossi and the ruins of the old looms used for dyeing wool. There are also several excellent restaurants nearby serving traditional Greek and Cypriot cuisine.

Safety Tips

Visitors to Kolossi Castle should wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring plenty of bottled water. Use caution when exploring the ruins, and stay on the designated paths. The castle is monitored by surveillance cameras, so all visitors will be asked to show their ID upon entry.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kolossi Castle, Limassol

Q. What is the history of Kolossi Castle?

A. Kolossi Castle was built in the 13th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. It was used as a stronghold for protecting the local people and its success prompted the order to build two more castles in the area. It also served as a spur to the development of the nearby town of Kolossi.

Q. Where is Kolossi Castle located?

A. Kolossi Castle is located in the suburb of Kolossi, near the city of Limassol, in the south of Cyprus.

Q. What is the best way to reach the castle?

A. The best way to reach the castle is to drive from Limassol. The castle is located 18 km from the city centre and is well signposted.

Q. Is there an admission fee to enter the castle?

A. Yes, there is an admission fee to enter the castle. It is €3.00 for adults and €1.50 for children.

Q. What sort of facilities are available inside the castle?

A. Inside the castle there is an exhibition on the history of the castle and the surrounding region, as well as a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. Additionally, there are bathrooms and a cafe.

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