Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Castle features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Limassol. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type castle
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Limassol Limassol guide
About Kolossi Castle
A compact, three-storey Crusader keep west of Limassol, long the headquarters of the Knights of St John, whose knights gave their name to the sweet wine Commandaria made on these lands.
Kolossi Castle, at the edge of Kolossi village about fourteen kilometres west of Limassol, is a fine example of a medieval military keep: a single square tower some twenty-one metres high. First granted to the Knights of St John (the Hospitallers), and briefly held by the Knights Templar from 1306 to 1313, it became the grand commandery of the Order on Cyprus. The tower seen today was rebuilt in 1454.
Inside are a great hall with a fireplace, a spiral stair, a faded wall painting of the Crucifixion, and a roof terrace with views over the plain to Limassol bay. The knights grew sugar cane and made a sweet wine on these estates: the famous Commandaria takes its name from their 'commandery' here. Beside the castle stand the ruins of a medieval sugar mill and its aqueduct.
Did you know? Kolossi Castle, about fourteen kilometres west of Limassol, is a single square keep some twenty-one metres high, rebuilt in 1454; it was the grand commandery of the Knights of St John (Hospitallers), and briefly held by the Knights Templar from 1306 to 1313.
How long is a visit to Kolossi Castle?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Kolossi Castle. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Kolossi Castle worth your time?
Kolossi Castle is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Limassol, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Limassol
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Kolossi Castle and read more:
Day 2 of the Limassol in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Kolossi Castle
Preview the Limassol tour free in the Gingerguide app.