- Address: Limassol, Cyprus
- Phone: +357 25-305419
The island of Cyprus - sunny and comfortable for a beach holiday , the historical land bears the traces of many eras that have succeeded each other. The city of Limassol is considered one of the largest resorts of the island , besides it was built almost a thousand years ago. It is famous not only for its port, beautiful hotels and various beaches, but also ancient monuments, the most striking of which is Limassol Castle.
A bit of history
The fortress survived many events, destruction and each time rebuilt. Archaeologists believe that the first foundation was the Byzantine basilica of the IV-VII century, which could be a city cathedral. Already on its ruins, on the site of the future castle a small fortification with a chapel was built. According to legend, it was in it in 1191 that the knight Richard the Lionheart made a marriage with Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her with his queen. But a year later the island was captured by the Order of the Knights Templar, who substantially rebuilt the defensive line, and on the fortification site a real castle was built, which was full of secret passages and tunnels.
Later, already in the Middle Ages, the island was captured by the French, and the Limassol Castle became the property of the French family Lusignan, who ruled Cyprus. During the period of French rule, the size of the castle becomes even more impressive and somewhat acquires the features of a Gothic style.
But systematic construction and development was far from cloudless in the history of the ancient castle. The city of Limassol was repeatedly besieged by the Genoese, Venetians, Egyptian Mamluks. The castle, like the city, was partially damaged, there were fires. Venetians significantly changed the castle and rebuilt it, and in 1491 due to the strongest in the history of the island of the earthquake, the castle of Limassol is destroyed to its foundations.
After a hundred years, Cyprus conquers the Ottoman Empire and the castle is given a second life: it is rebuilt at the borders and completely rebuilt in 1590. But gradually the city is in decline, the cruelty of the Turks made the island almost deserted. After 300 years, the island and all of its cities and structures are transferred to the power of the British, who rebuild the fortress and develop the city.
In the twentieth century, a prison was located in the castle for more than 50 years, which greatly strengthened its external outlines, and the outer walls are now more than two meters in thickness.
Since March 28, 1987 in the castle is the Cyprus Museum of the Middle Ages.
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Our days
In the museum of the Middle Ages exhibits a huge collection of objects from every era. Restored details of the life of ancient Cypriots, their customs and traditions since the III century, collected a collection of medieval weapons and armor of these knights. The museum stores collections of marble, ceramics, coins, various ornaments of precious and soft metals, glassware.
In the former cells are placed the tombstones of Venetian and Frankish monks, nobles and knights. In the central hall are stored copies of stone tombstones from the Cathedral of St. Sophia with figures of saints. The museum details the historical picture of all wars and stable years. From the top of the castle there is an excellent view of the city.
How to get to Limassol Castle?
The ancient castle is located in the historic center of the city on the street of Richard and Berengaria. In the area are very few parking lots, so the idea of personal transport is better left. You can get to the castle by bus number 30, you need to stop Old Harbor, then walk for five minutes towards Molos Park, or get on the water: the castle is located near the old port (Limassol Old Port).
The museum works every day on a schedule:
- on weekdays without dinner from eight to five;
- on Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00;
- on Sunday from 10:00 to one in the afternoon.
The ticket price is € 4.5, for children - free of charge. Any shooting in the lock is prohibited, at the entrance there is a storage room.
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