Kolossi Castle is one of the most impressive relics of Cyprus’ medieval era. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle once served as the production site of this island’s famous dessert wine. Standing nearly 70 feet (21 metres) high, the castle’s stone-brick tower is a popular viewpoint.
The Knights of St. John constructed the castle and began producing wine and sugar cane on the land in the 13th century. The original castle was destroyed in the early 15th century and the building you see today was rebuilt over the ruins in 1454.
Cross over the small drawbridge leading to the castle and look for the “welcome” hole in the wall above, through which the knights would pour boiling oil down onto trespassers. On the eastern wall of the castle, you can spot the coat of arms of Grand Commander Louis de Magnac, who was responsible for rebuilding the castle in the 15th century.
Step inside the castle’s ground floor and look for a massive fireplace before heading up the stone staircase found on the east side. Look for a mural of the crucifixion in the main chamber, as well as a fresco on the second floor that incorporates Magnac's coat of arms.
Be sure to go up to the roof to see the castle’s battlements, which were renovated in the 1930s. From here you can see lush vineyards spreading out around the castle. These vineyards produce Commandaria, one of the world’s oldest named wines still in production.
Don’t miss the outbuilding just east of the castle, where sugarcane cultivated from the region’s plantations was processed into sugar. Although visitors are not allowed inside this old stone factory, you can check out the remains of the water mill and water tower a little north of it.
Kolossi Castle is located about 7 miles (11 kilometres) east of Limassol, on the edge of Kolossi village. There is an admission fee and opening hours vary depending on the season.
