ARE THERE REALLY GHOSTS AT BERENGARIA?
NAMED IN HONOUR OF A QUEEN
Located near the village of Prodromos, in the Limassol district of the Troodos Mountains, the Berengaria Hotel has been a subject of much supernatural mystery. The hotel, which is said to be haunted by several ghosts, was designed by Walter Henry Clark, and built by Mr Ioannis Kokkalis in 1930. Inaugurated in 1931, the hotel was named in honour of Queen Berengaria, the wife of King RICHARD THE LIONHEART, who was crowned queen consort of England after their wedding ceremony at the LIMASSOL CASTLE in 1191.
FAMOUS GUESTS
Hosting its first guests in 1931, the natural stone-built structure was once one of the most luxurious hotels on the island. In light of this, its fine rooms and grand halls, in its heyday, often welcomed high-society elites and several high-profile guests. These included royalty, in the form of King Farouk of Egypt, who became a regular visitor, thespians, and other dignitaries, such as Winston Churchill.
CYPRUS GHOSTHUNTERS
Perched at an altitude of 1,400 metres, high up in the Troodos Mountains, the isolated resort has incurred several myths since its untimely closure in 1984. The hotel is famously tied to several ghost stories and a legend of a family curse. The hotel’s macabre history has also led to several ghost stories emerging, making the hotel’s ruins an unofficial tourist attraction. This has led to the hotel grounds becoming a favourable site for ghost hunters and people seeking a supernatural adrenaline rush.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOST STORIES?
Adding further intrigue is the eventual demise of the hotel’s owners. After the founder passed away, the grand hotel was left to his three sons. With no clear will or instructions, a feud developed between them, causing a series of disputes. This led to financial mismanagement that saw the once-grand resort fall into disrepair. The three feuding brothers then all met mysterious, untimely deaths after destroying their father’s legacy with the closure of the hotel in 1984. Tales of ghostly sightings within the hotel’s grounds also persist. These sightings include a woman in white linen leaning against a window at dusk, another female apparition seeking vengeance after drowning in the swimming pool, and a former manager who took his own life at the hotel.
MEET THE GHOSTS
Several visitors have gone on record, stating that they have seen things that can only be described as a supernatural experience. Several others have also come forward, stating that they have felt a presence, whilst others have claimed that they have seen apparitions roaming the hotel’s grounds. The former hotel manager, who is said to have killed himself in one of the hotel’s rooms, is said to still wander the empty halls of the hotel. Another regular sighting is that of a merchant’s wife, who was supposedly found floating face down in the hotel’s swimming pool. She is said to be seeking revenge for her untimely demise, suggesting foul play. Another ghostly sighting is that of a fair maiden, dressed in white linen. She is said to be visible, but only at dusk, leaning against one of the hotel windows.
CLOSED IN 1984
The hotel, which was otherwise a successful endeavour, faced financial trouble in the early 1980’s. The original hotel owner had left the business to his three sons. It is believed that their conflicts and disagreements led to the hotel’s eventual bankruptcy and untimely closure in 1984. All three sons are said to have died in strange and mysterious circumstances thereafter, adding fuel to supernatural conspiracies.
A RECENT CHANGE IN FORTUNES
After several years, the rebirth of the Berengaria Hotel in the village of Prodromos is finally underway. The hotel and its grounds are currently undergoing a major multi-million-euro redevelopment project designed to transform the eerie ruin back into a luxury five-star mountain resort and spa. Led by developer bbf in partnership with Thanos Hotels and Resorts, who will also be operating the resort, the completion and reopening of the new resort is expected to take place in 2029.
RESORATION SCOPE & FEATURES
• Structural Reinforcement: This includes the rebuilding of the roof using French-style tiles modelled on the original design, injecting structural repair materials into deep stone joints, and adding concrete encasements for foundation stability since the original structure rested directly on rock.
• Hotel Capacity: Reduced from the original 80 rooms down to 30 luxury rooms and suites to accommodate modern private bathrooms and high-end amenities.
• Key Amenities: A new luxury spa, a modern restaurant, and a restored interior layout featuring reopened original fireplaces and a library.
• Surrounding Development: The creation of a private hilltop community spanning the 26,338 m² site, which includes 22 alpine-inspired luxury villas and residences, all set within the protected forest environment.
