Limassol Castle

Limassol, Cyprus

The oldest record of the Limassol Castle dates back to 1228 when Fredrik II of Germany and his supporters sent to prison the hostages seized by Ibeline, the king regent of Cyprus. This Castle was likely to be an ancient Byzantine Castle or the one that took its place over the early Frankish period. According to Stephen Lusignan, Guy de Lusignan had the original Castle built in 1193. This original fort, if it really existed, has not yet been localized by the archaeologists. It is more likely to have been given up to the knights for administration purposes on behalf of the crown in 1308. A marble podium of a small basilica dating back to the Early Christian times and the floor of a Middle Byzantine monument (10th – 11th century) has survived. The eastern side of an arched basement composed of three parts has a big apse on the floor with an approximately 12-metre diameter which could be considered part of the first Latin cathedral of the town.

In 1373 the Genoeses burned the town after having conquered the castle. At this attack serious damage must have been caused to the monument. According to the visitors the town had almost no inhabitants at the late 14th century. A small recovery was observed over the latest decade and the early 15th century at the Latin Bishop’s See of Limassol which apparently used a rebuilt old Middle Byzantine Temple, Zik-Zak street behind the today’s Kepir Mosque, while at the same time the Castle was being repaired. It is often featured that it was a place of resistance against the Genoeses in 1402 and 1408. In 1413 the resistance against the attacks of the Mamluks, who were eventually not able to conquer it, was a fact indeed. Serious damage caused then and maybe a little later, owing to the earthquakes, which were not dealt with efficiently, made it easy to be conquered in 1425 by the Egyptians during their second raid conducted on the town.

According to some information a stronger earthquake affected seriously the monument. When in 1518 Saige visited the town, the Castle was still maintained in a strong position. The most probable is what happened in the case of the Zik-Zak street temple during this period; repairs to a great extent and reconstruction works took place. The gothic arcs that can be observed in the ground western hall. Also some openings with arch hewed doorframes are likely to be seen at the sidewalks of the first floor and above the today’s entrance.

In 1538 the Turks landed at Limassol and conquered the Castle. Bragadino, the Venetian Governor of Cyprus decided to have the Castle demolished in order to prevent any further use of it or its being conquered by the Turks to be used as a fort. Boustronios blamed the Governor for this act of his, stating that the expenses for the demolition of the castle went beyond the costs for having it repaired. The demolition works took place through several phases and their completion was achieved owing to the earthquakes occurred in 1567-1568.

Following the complete conquest of the island (1576) by the Ottomans, the ruins of the old castle or parts of it were incorporated into the new fort built by the Ottomans in 1590. A 2-metre thick wall and the specially tailored ground floor cells used as a prison until 1950, have been two particularly important features of it.

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Founded: 1193
Category: Castles and fortifications in Cyprus

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4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Uncle Paul (6 months ago)
If you are passionate about history and not only you can visit it with confidence, you have a lot to see. From cannons with iron or stone cannonballs to knight armor, muskets, pistols, swords and ceramic or metal vessels. you can go up to the terrace from where you can admire the panorama of the city and take pictures or a selfie
R (6 months ago)
Limassol Castle, also known as the Cyprus Medieval Museum (Κάστρο Λεμεσού - Μεσαιωνικό Μουσείο Κύπρου), is a historic castle located in the old town of Limassol, Cyprus. The castle has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and has been used by various conquerors and rulers over the centuries. The current structure primarily dates back to the Ottoman period, although the original fortifications are believed to have been built around the 12th century by the Byzantines. The castle was significantly rebuilt by the Lusignans, a ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Cyprus, and later modified by the Venetians and Ottomans. Today, Limassol Castle houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of artifacts from the Byzantine and medieval periods of Cypriot history. Exhibits include weapons, armor, coins, pottery, and everyday objects that provide insights into the island's medieval past. The museum also features tombstones and inscriptions that shed light on the social and cultural aspects of medieval Cyprus. The castle's architecture includes thick stone walls, a central courtyard, and several rooms and halls that were used for various purposes throughout its history. It is one of Limassol's most significant historical landmarks and attracts many visitors interested in the island's history and heritage. Limassol Castle is an important cultural site in Cyprus, offering a glimpse into the island's medieval past and the various influences that have shaped its history. It is a popular tourist attraction and an educational resource for those interested in Cyprus's rich historical tapestry.
Damian Tapley (8 months ago)
The castle is the heart of Limassol for anyone interested in the history of the city or of Cyprus. So it’s a must-see. Entry is €4.50, which is fair enough. They accept card and cash. I found the museum quite extensive for how it first appears, you could spend 45 minutes here. There is plenty to see on 3 levels - paintings, tombstones, armour, a skeleton or two, and sculptures. Some reasonable views of the city and the seaside on the top level. Toilets are on-site.
Louis Ebarb (9 months ago)
An updated fortress with a very rich history. Nicely restored, it has limited antiquities but a nice view of the Promenade and the sea from atop the walls.
PHILIPS DIBIX (10 months ago)
Limassol Castle, nestled in the heart of Limassol, Cyprus, is a historical landmark that has captured the attention of tourists and history enthusiasts alike. With its ancient walls and intriguing architecture, one might expect a treasure trove of cultural significance and captivating tales within its confines. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that Limassol Castle may not live up to its lofty expectations. Firstly, the exterior of the castle boasts an impressive façade, with its weathered stone walls bearing the scars of centuries gone by. Its imposing presence beckons visitors to step inside and uncover the mysteries held within. However, once inside, the initial sense of wonderment quickly dissipates, as the interior fails to deliver the grandeur promised by its exterior. The castle's interior is sparse and lacking in the charm and character one would expect from a site of such historical significance. The rooms are largely empty, save for a few informational plaques and artifacts that fail to capture the imagination. While efforts have been made to recreate scenes from the castle's past, they fall short of bringing the history to life in a meaningful way. Furthermore, the lack of guided tours or interactive exhibits means that visitors are left to wander aimlessly through the castle's halls, struggling to piece together its storied past. Without proper context or explanation, the significance of the castle's various rooms and chambers is lost on all but the most dedicated history buffs. In conclusion, while Limassol Castle may hold a certain appeal for those with a keen interest in history or architecture, for the average visitor, it offers little more than a brief diversion. Its lackluster interior and absence of engaging exhibits make it difficult to justify a visit unless one is already in the area and has time to spare. Ultimately, there are far more rewarding attractions to explore in Limassol, making the castle a skippable destination for those seeking a truly memorable experience.
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