THE KOLOSSI CASTLE
IN THE VILLAGE OF KOLOSSI IN LIMASSOL
A LIMASSOL LANDMARK
Kolossi Castle is a landmark that has survived the test of time and serves as a vivid reminder of the strategic importance of Cyprus and its influence in the immediate area surrounding the island. The castle also stands as a good example of the diverse influences that have shaped the island’s history over the ages. Primarily used for military purposes, the castle since its inception in the 13th century has also been used as a sugar refinery and a prison. The structure has also helped to shape the local landscape and stands as a symbol of Cyprus’s enduring resilience and legacy of its medieval past. The castle today continues to captivate visitors who want to immerse themselves in the multi-faceted history of the island.
A MEDIEVIL FORT
The village of Kolossi, in the Limassol region, boasts one of the most poignant landmarks on the island, the Kolossi Medieval Castle. It has become one of the most important preserved fortresses from the Frankish period and today, it stands as a fine example of military architecture of the time. The site where the imposing castle stands began life as a simple fort during Byzantine times. The early part of the 13th century however, saw a dramatic change to the areas demographic, when the Knight Hospitallers arrived. They immediately recognised the forts importance and quickly identified the economic potential of the area, prompting them to add the strategically positioned castle to the fort in order to protect their interests.
A CASTLE BUILT TO PROTECT SUGAR
The Franks, after the third crusade had lost Jerusalem to Islamic forces and Cyprus became their new base of operations. The Knight Hospitallers arrived on the island as a contingent of the new ruling Frankish class and they were granted full autonomy in key regions of the island, including the village of Kolossi. The Knight Hospitallers, as their name suggests, were a military order that held caring for the sick and the poor at the centre of their religious order, and because of this, they often sought to generate their own funds for their philanthropic causes. They noticed almost immediately that the area where the castle stands today, is very fertile and has an abundant supply of fresh water from the river Kouris and this led to a fledgling sugar industry, which was a highly prized commodity in Europe at the time. The knight Hospitallers developed the fort further and went on to establish an extensive sugar plantation around it in the village. The Knights Hospitaller’s thriving sugar operation meant that they needed more security and they improved the defences of the fort by building the castle almost immediately thereafter. The castle’s direct connection to the sugar industry that flourished in Cyprus during the Middle Ages remains as one of the most fascinating aspects of its history.
A STRONGHOLD OF COMMERCE
The castle’s imposing structure, served as a key defensive stronghold during this period and the Knight Hospitallers successfully used the castle to gain a vantage point for monitoring and protecting its interests in the region. After the castle’s completion, administrators moved all sugar production to within the castle’s walls, transforming the structure into a thriving commercial centre. Once sugar production was firmly established, the knights went on to exploit the rest of the agricultural industries surrounding the village of Kolossi. The immediate area became one of the richest on the island, as the knights further developed the cultivation of olive trees, cereal, carob trees and viticulture.
AN INTRIGUING PAST
The strategic significance of the castle, as well as its location and economic power made it a target for various rival powers over the ages. The castle was used as a base for a number of elite military units in the area and the castle’s intriguing history includes many battles for control and numerous sieges, which have all left their indelible mark on its sturdy walls and commanding towers. The most well known military unit to use the castle is the infamous ‘Commandaria Battalion’ of Hospitallers. This group of knights went on to control most of the agricultural produce in the wider region, which included all surrounding villages. They adopted their informal name from their most prized export, ‘Commandaria Wine’, which was proclaimed as ‘Wine of Kings and King of Wines’ by Richard the Lionheart at his wedding in Limassol years earlier. During the 15th century, it is believed that the castle was expanded and largely re-built, by Louis de Magnac, the Hospitaller Commander of Kolossi at that time, hence the presence of Louis de Magnac’s coat-of-arms on the wall of the castle.
A NOBLE RESIDENCE
As the centuries passed, Kolossi Castle continued to play a significant role in the island’s history. The castle served as a residence for various noble families and a number of military commanders of their day. The Republic of Venice took control of the island in the late 15th century and they improved the fortifications by strengthened much of the castle. They also upgraded the sugar refinery and increased the production at the castle. The Ottomans however, destroyed most of the Castle when they took control of the island in the late 16th century and all that remains today of this once great castle is its three-story keep and its bailey. The castle eventually became a prison under British administration and today it stands as a landmark and place of historical interest.
THE CASTLE TODAY
The castle today stands as a testament to the island’s tumultuous history and today draws visitors from around the world who want to witness its medieval architecture and explore its varied history first hand. The castle offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the lives of those who once lived there. Visitors are able to explore all three storeys and make their way to the roof, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the area. Visitors can also enjoy the wonderful gardens that are often used as a backdrop for wedding photos, whilst sampling some of the local area’s sweet wine known as Commandaria.
Kolossi Medieval Castle
September 16th – April 15th
8.30am – 5.00pm
April 16th – September 15th
8.30am – 7.30pm
Tel: 25 934 907
Bus 17 from Limassol
