Kolossi Castle, Limassol (must see)

Kolossi Castle, located 10 kilometers west of Limassol, is a compact yet historically significant medieval fortification that dates back to 1210 CE. Originally constructed by the Knights of St. John, it served as the Grand Commandery of the Order before later being taken over by the Knights Templar in the 14th century. The castle stands as an excellent example of military architecture, featuring a stone-brick tower that dominates the landscape.

Visitors enter via a small drawbridge, leading into a large chamber where a well-preserved fresco of Christ’s crucifixion can be seen on the entrance wall. A narrow spiral staircase takes guests up to the second floor, where they can explore stone-cut chambers before reaching the battlemented roof, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Beyond its role as a defensive stronghold, Kolossi Castle holds great significance in Cyprus’s winemaking history. The area surrounding the castle was renowned for sugarcane processing and viticulture, with the Knights producing the famous Commandaria wine-one of the world's oldest named wines, continuously produced for over 800 years. The remains of a 14th-century sugar mill, where the Knights refined sugar and processed grapes, can still be seen beside the castle. The fertile Kolossi valley, enriched by the Kouris River, was home to olive groves, vineyards, and cereal fields, making the region a vital economic hub during the medieval period.

Despite its small size, Kolossi Castle is a major historical landmark and an important stop for travelers exploring the Limassol region. The fortress played a key role in the power struggles of the Franks, and its history is closely tied to the de Lusignan dynasty, which controlled Cyprus in the 13th century. Its strategic location and well-preserved medieval architecture make it a must-visit attraction for those interested in the island’s military, agricultural, and Crusader history.