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Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Castle is a former Crusader stronghold located on the edge of Kolossi village, west of Limassol. The current three-story tower house was built in 1454 by the Grand Prior of the Knights Hospitaller, Louis de Magnac, on the ruins of an older 13th-century castle. Kolossi was of great strategic importance as it was the center of the island's most valuable agricultural lands, where sugarcane and vineyards were cultivated. The fortress served as the headquarters of the 'Grande Commanderie', which gave its name to the famous Cypriot dessert wine, Commandaria. The architecture of the castle is characterized by massive walls up to 1.25 meters thick and a well-preserved spiral staircase inside. Directly adjacent to the tower are the ruins of a 14th-century medieval sugar refinery, highlighting the economic prosperity of the region. Today, Kolossi is considered one of the best-preserved examples of military architecture from the Crusader period in Cyprus.
- Location: Cyprus
- Top sights: Kolossi Castle · Castle of Kolossi · Agios Efstathios
- Nearby: Kato Polemidia (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 93 | 61 | 34 | 17 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 41 | 90 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The original castle was built in 1210 by King Hugh I.
- The castle walls are 1.25 meters thick at the ground level.
- The tower is 21 meters high with a base of 15 x 13.5 meters.
- A 14th-century sugar mill is located adjacent to the castle.
- The Knights Templar briefly owned the castle between 1306 and 1313.
- The coat of arms of Louis de Magnac is visible above the entrance.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kolossi Castle (7)
The Cyprus Wine Museum🏛 museum
The wine museum displays the history of wine production and consumption with ancient jars, vessels, and documents.
Kourka
Kourka is a hill in the United Kingdom, known as a peak or elevation.
Stone Age House
Stone Age House is an archaeological site featuring remains of a Stone Age dwelling.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who built Kolossi Castle?
What does the castle have to do with wine?
Can you go up to the roof of the castle?
Is there an old sugar factory there?
Is the castle easily accessible from Limassol?
Kolossi Castle: where is it located?
Kolossi Castle: what is there to see?
Kolossi Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Kolossi Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
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