Backpacking the Kolossi Castle near Limassol - Cyprus
Posted: April 28, 2025 | Tagged: Cyprus
The Medieval Castle of Kolossi, 12km to the west of the city of Limassol, makes a very interesting half-day excursion.
The entrance ticket to the Kolossi Castle is just 2.50 €:
The Kolossi Castle was one of the most important forts of Medieval Cyprus.
The original castle was built around the beginning of the 13th century, the remains of which can still be seen next to the castle.
The castle, as you see it today, dates from 1454, when the Grand Commander of the Order, Louis de Magnac, ordered a new one to be built.
This three-story stone-built castle stands 21 metres high, each side measuring 16 metres, with the walls 1.25 metres thick.
The main entrance was on the first floor level, accessible via a drawbridge:
The castle, as you see it today, dates from 1454, when the Grand Commander of the Order, Louis de Magnac, ordered a new one to be built.
This three-story stone-built castle stands 21 metres high, each side measuring 16 metres, with the walls 1.25 metres thick.
The main entrance was on the first floor level, accessible via a drawbridge:
The ground floor consists of 3 interconnected rooms, which were used for storage. The first floor had 2 rooms, one with a large fireplace, suggesting that this was the main area for dining and entertaining, and the second floor had two rooms both with fireplaces and were probably used for accommodation of the Grand Commander.
Despite the fortifications and battlements, it is thought that the castle was used as an administration centre rather than defensive role.
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One of 3 barrel-vaulted rooms on the ground floor:
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15th-century wall painting with the Crucifixion of Christ:
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Adjacent to the castle is a sugar mill. Sugar cane was one of Cyprus's major exports during the medieval period.
Location of the Kolossi Castle:
I took bus 16 from the small bus station by the old hospital. The fare was 2 € paid in cash. It stops on the main road, from where it's a short walk to the castle.
