CYPRUS: THE KOLOSSI CASTLE

Kolossi: another famous historical site in the Limassol region.

It is a citadel with a distinctive square shape.

The interior of the first courtyard reveals arches with refined architecture.

The citadel was protected by thick walls, which also served as storage areas or stables.

Kolossi was built in the 13th century by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

After being driven out of Palestine by the Arabs, these knights found refuge in Cyprus before eventually settling on the island of Rhodes, and later in Malta, where they became better known as the Knights of the Order of Malta.

Let’s step into the Square Tower and explore its intriguing interior...

Here is the great hall, where one can imagine the life of the knights, dividing their time between defending Christianity against Islam, caring for the wounded and sick, and managing the local vineyard.

In this other room, one can notice a period painting in the background depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus.

Several staircases allow access to the different levels, and even...

To step out onto the terrace at the top of the tower.

Nowadays, there are no more crusader knights in Kolossi, but a few brave cats stand guard!

All photos of Kolossi Castle © 1996 - 2013 by Richard Soberka