Overview:

: Kolossi Castle is one of the most impressive medieval monuments in Cyprus. It was originally built in the 13th century as a crusader stronghold, and later rebuilt and fortified in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John. The castle is a prime example of military architecture from the medieval period, and was an important strategic point in the defence of Limassol from the Ottoman Empire. Currently, the castle serves as a tourist attraction that houses a museum where visitors can explore its rich history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. Built in 1210, Kolossi Castle is one of the most impressive fortified structures in Cyprus. 2. The castle is located in the town of Kolossi, around 14km from the city of Limassol. 3. It was originally built by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. 4. While the exterior and entrance of Kolossi Castle have been reconstructed, the main keep of the castle is original and intact. 5. It is an example of a Gothic-style medieval fortress and consists of a central square tower surrounded by a bailey wall. 6. The keep is topped by battlements and four curved towers as well as two crenellations. 7. The ruins of the castle also feature a powder magazine and underground cistern. 8. Inside the castle, visitors can also see several artifacts including a large windmill and ancient olive press. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Kolossi Castle is a medieval castle located in Kolossi, Cyprus. It was originally built in the 13th century by the Knights Hospitallers, a Catholic military order. The castle was formerly an important stronghold in the region, protecting the buffer zone between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Cyprus. It also guarded the entrance to the Grand Harbour of Limassol, and had close ties with the nearby Castle of Limassol. During the Middle Ages, the castle served as the residence of the Grand Commander of the Hospitallers, and was a major center for Christianity in the Eastern Mediterranean. The castle underwent several changes over the centuries, as its ownership and purpose shifted in response to various wars, conquests, and international disputes. It was briefly taken by the Ottomans in the 16th century, before the Venetians regained control of it in the early 17th century. It remained in Venetian hands until the 18th century, when it passed to the British. The British undertook several renovations and repairs to the castle, which was severely damaged during World War II. Kolossi Castle is now a popular historical and tourist site, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is also used as a private residence and winery, with visitors able to enjoy gourmet wines produced on the grounds. The castle remains of great cultural and historical importance to Cyprus, and is recognized as a symbol of its rich heritage. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Kolossi Castle is believed to have been built between 1210 and 1230 AD by the Frankish Knights of the Order of Saint John in Cyprus. 2. Kolossi is renowned for being one of the few surviving monumental medieval structures in Cyprus. 3. The castle played an important military role during the War of the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire in 1571. 4. Kolossi's architecture reflects the transition from a medieval to a Renaissance style, as it features both Gothic and Renaissance design elements. 5. The main room of the castle is the Knights’ Hall which is adorned with a large Gothic fireplace with an ornately carved mantelpiece. 6. Inside the castle, there's a dungeon decorated with ancient weapons, and a secret passageway that leads to a hidden altar. 7. The fortification was strategically located in the region known as Mandria, which is at the center of the island and the location of the famous sugar mill of Kolossi. 8. Outside the castle, visitors can explore the expansive 14th-century courtyard, which holds a large chapel and cistern. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.