Cyprus is famous for its rich history. One can discover it, not only in its Museums, but also by walking down the street in every town or village. One of its most impressive historical sights is the Medieval Castle of Limassol.
The history of the Castle
The Medieval Castle that Cyprus has in Limassol is located in the heart of the old town. You can find it passing over the old port. Although it is not known exactly when it was built, however, there is a chronological approximation. According to Etienne de Lusignan, it was built in 1193 by the founder of the Lusignan dynasty, Guy de Lusignan. However, looking for the first official report on this, one can see that this took place around 1228 A.D. These are reports during the involvement of Frederic II of Germany in the affairs of Cyprus.
Again, of course, there is some temporal mismatch regarding the tradition. According to it, in this Castle, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and also made her Queen of England in 1191. Cyprus, however, can be proud for its castle for years. Its fortification walls are worth mentioning, separately. If you visit it, you will see up close why they are of great archaeological interest. There are even views that are part of a much larger castle.
Cyprus and the attacks on the Castle
During the centuries, Cyprus went through many difficult periods. This is why the castle has been attacked by various invaders over the centuries. The greatest damage, however, was caused by nature. The earthquakes of 1567 and 1568 caused major disasters. The castle was rebuilt by the Ottomans, in 1590, in the form that it now has. The original castle was, of course, larger than the later one.
Beneath the east hall, there is a basement with cells, which was used as a prison until 1950. Today, The Castle also houses the Medieval Museum of Cyprus.
Address: Richard & Berengaria near the old port
Tel. Contact: Tel: +357 25 305 419
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 13:00
Entry Price: €4.50
External photography source: From A.Savin – Work of the one who uploads it, FAL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56853925
Cyprus: The Caledonian Waterfall and its relationship with Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions
According to historical records, the Medieval Castle of Limassol was built around 1193 by Guy de Lusignan, the founder of the Lusignan dynasty. However, the first official documentation of the castle dates to approximately 1228 A.D., during the involvement of Frederick II of Germany in Cypriot affairs.
The Medieval Castle of Limassol is located in the heart of the old town of Limassol, Cyprus, near the old port. You can reach it by passing over the old port area. The address is Richard & Berengaria near the old port.
The Medieval Castle of Limassol suffered major damage from earthquakes in 1567 and 1568. These natural disasters caused significant destruction to the original structure. The castle was subsequently rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1590 in the form that exists today, which is smaller than the original castle.
Today, the Medieval Castle of Limassol houses the Medieval Museum of Cyprus. Visitors can explore the fortification walls of great archaeological interest, and beneath the east hall, there is a basement with cells that was historically used as a prison until 1950. The castle's walls and structures offer insights into its larger original design.
The Medieval Castle of Limassol is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, and Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00. The entry price is €4.50 per person. For inquiries, you can contact them at Tel: +357 25 305 419.
