Kolossi Castle Near Limassol Cyprus

Kolossi Castle is well worth a visit if you are at all interested in Cyprus history and culture. Situated off the Limassol to Paphos highway just outside the busy town of Limassol itself it fits into a great days sightseeing. Just follow the brown tourist info signs off the highway and the castle is found on the main road to the RAF Akrotiri base. If you love cats the monastery of Saint Nicholas of the cats is only a couple of miles further along the same road.

The first Medieval fort was built on the site early in the 13th Century by a group of Knights known as the Hospitallers. Also called the knights of the order of Saint John their mission in Cyprus was to aid and protect pilgrims visiting the Holy land. They vacated the castle sometime around the beginning of the 14th Century to set up headquarters on the Island of Rhodes. Their rivals the famous order of the knights Templar wasted no time in installing themselves in the nice empty fort where they stayed until the whole order was annihilated by King Philip of France and Pope Clement. They wanted the Knights Templar out of the way because they feared their growing power and it is also claimed that the pope owed the knights a lot of money.

Richard Castle

With the Templar's out of the picture the Hospitallers promptly moved back in until the crusades ended with the fall of Acre one of the most important Crusader strongholds. Despite the Island falling under the control of the Venetians marauding Turks virtually destroyed the original castle at Kolossi roundabout the middle of the 15th Century. The fort that stands on the site today was built sometime after that and it is in pretty remarkable condition for a 500 year old building (says a lot for Cyprus builders). Most of the building is open to visitors and there are a couple of small cafes in the castle grounds where you can relax after climbing the steps to the roof. In later years the castle became the administrative seat of power for the area concerning production and distribution of the famous Commandarie wine. This sweet Cyprus wine owes its name to those governors or "Commandaires" as they were known.

It is claimed that King Richard the lion heart married Berengaria of Navarre at Kolossi Castle and later crowned her Queen of both England and Cyprus. Many historians refute this however claiming that the dates clash with other historical documents linking him with crusades at the time. If it is true though it puts an interesting slant on the idea of getting married in Cyprus. After all, if it was good enough for King Richard maybe the Island is a great place for other couples to tie the knot too. Joking aside, many experts agree that Kolossi is probably one of the most important Medieval castles in Cyprus and it is certainly well worth a visit whilst you are in the area. It makes a great stop off if you are planning to visit the ancient site of Kurion a few miles further along the Limassol to Paphos highway.

Kolossi Castle Near Limassol Cyprus

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Enjoy the ten best sites in Cyprus

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean. It 'also known as the third largest island after Sicily and Sardinia, which is located in the Mediterranean, is recognized. This is a wonderful and idyllic country tourism destinations him one of the favorites.

1) Museum of Cyprus

If you live in Nicosia, visit the museum. See here the best of Cypriot artifacts and archeology. You can also create a cozy snack at the Cafebefore you go looking, what else the museum has in Serbian for you.

2) Byzantine Museum

This is a wonderful place to visit. Not only do you like that offered by the museum, but you will also see a giant statue of Makarios. Here you get the full collections of Orthodox icons and other types of works of art.

3) National Museum of struggle "

For a while, 'History of Cyprus, visit the Museum of Nicosia. You will learnthe movement for independence of Cyprus here as well as on the guerrilla movement EOKA. You also see many objects related to the movement.

4) House of the Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios

This is a wonderful place to watch. It is a 18th Century building which was restored to his usual charm. Now there is an ethnological museum where visitors and locals to visit.

5) Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre

This is aspecial buildings, primarily because it is a fine example of industrial architecture in Cyprus. It was once neglected and almost in ruins before it was renovated into a very trendy art gallery. There is also a restaurant here where you can get a good meal.

6) Observatory Museum Ledra

Find this observatory and the museum in the 11th Shakolas floor. Once there, you will surely be in awe ofThere are beautiful views of the city of Nicosia. You can also use the beauty of the medieval old town, in this tall building.

7) The city of Larnaca

This is a small town where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade of Larnaca. There are also many things to see, the Church of St. Lazarus of both Larnaca Salt Lake, where you can see, usually pink flamingos during the winter season. Also visit the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and theTomb of Umm Haram, the foster mother Mohammed.

8) The city of Limassol

Recognized as the second largest city of Cyprus, this is becoming a tourist site. Here you will learn the Castle of Limassol, to see a historical place for this is the castle where Richard the Lionheart was married his wife, Queen Berengaria of Navarre. You can also visit the ancient city of Limassol Amathus and Curium.

9) The town of Paphos

Here is thewere famous Greek goddess Aphrodite was called said worn. Here are the Paphos Archaeological Park, the Roman ruins of Villa of the House of Dionysos and the House of Theseus contains, and these two are famous for their mosaic designs. Visit the Fort of Paphos and learn its rich history.

10) The tombs of the kings

This is not really the tomb of the kings and queens of the past, but the tomb of Cyprus and importantwealthy citizens and officials. What is sad is that their graves have been looted many treasures for free, but it is nevertheless still a great place to visit. The richest of the people, the largest and most complex is his grave site.

Richard Castle

Enjoy the ten best sites in Cyprus

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Day-tripper attractions Lemesos, Lemesos cycling tips, things to do in Limassol Cyprus

Lemesos (Limassol for the greek name) is a very beautiful city - if you do not include the tourist area in the east. There, bars hotels and restaurants will extend over 15 km along the coast. The center of Limassol is a small port with a medieval castle, a mosque, two churches and, of course, some shops and restaurants. can be seen in the background, the Troodos Mountains.

Richard Castle

Day-tripper attractions Lemesos, Lemesos cycling tips, things to do in Limassol Cyprus