Limassol Castle, Cyprus
2 min read

Limassol castle dates back to the Medieval Period and is located at the centre of the historical Limassol very close to the Limassol harbour. The castle was built during the Ottoman rule in the island but archaeological evidence suggest that before its current form there were earlier architectural faces, older and larger.

In addition, archaeological studies and investigations on the interior space of the castle revealed that it was built over an Early Christian basilica (4th-7th A.D) and a Middle Byzantine monument (10th-11th century A.D.). Other archaeological findings suggest the existence of an important church possibly the city's first cathedral. The first phase of the castle was built in 1193 by Guy de Lusignian.

The continuous attacks of the city of Limassol by the Genoese and the Mameluks caused considerable damages to the castle. In addition, the earthquakes of 1567 and 1568 enhanced the damages and problems of the castle. Until the 16th century, the castle underwent a series of architectural modifications with restorations and reconstructions.

In 1538 the Ottomans captured the city of Limassol and rule the Limassol castle. After their short period of domination on the Castle, the Venetian governor of Cyprus recaptured it and decided its destruction during 1567-1568 in order to avoid its possible seizure. The Ottomans however, returned and conquered Cyprus in 1576. In 1590 they decided to rebuild the castle using the remains and parts of the demolished castle. The castle takes then its current form. During the Ottoman Period the underground and the first floor were used as prisons and remained in use until 1950.

Lastly, the castle of Limassol was ceded to the Department of Antiquities and transformed to the District Museum which until now houses the medieval Museum of Cyprus.

Location: Richard & Berengaria, Lemesos

Additional Information
- Operating period: All year round
   Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 17:00
   Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
   Sunday: 10:00 - 13:00
- Entrance: € 4.50
- Tel: +357 25 305 419

Limassol Castle video: 
Limassol Castle location map: 

Near Limassol Castle

Other places within a short drive, closest first.

Nearby Places and things to do (within 5 km radius)

Nicosia

Pano Ambelia Nature Trail

Location: Palaichori -Askas District: Nicosia Starting Point: On the Palaichori –Askas road, at the east entrance of the Askas village. Length: 1, 5 k

Nicosia

Serrachis River

The Serrachis River is the third largest river in Cyprus, with a length of 55 kilometres.

Nicosia

Askas Village

Tucked away in the serene foothills of the Troodos Mountains lies Askas, a charming and unspoiled village that seems to have slipped through the cracks of time.

Nicosia

Church of Timiou Prodromou - Askas

To the southeast of the village of Askas in the Nicosia district, at a distance of 100 metres from the last houses is the church of Timiou Prodromou. The Chu

Nicosia

Timios Stavros Church - Askas

To the east of the village of Askas in the Nicosia district,  where the houses end there is the church of Timios Stavros.  Timios Stavros Church consist thre

Nicosia

Palaichori Dam

Nestled in the heart of Cyprus, the Palaichori Dam offers a picturesque retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Pages

Related content

Paphos

Akamas Peninsula

Akamas Peninsula: Cyprus' Untamed Jewel Tucked into the rugged northwest corner of Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula is a wild, windswept land where cliffs plunge

Limassol

Akrotiri Peninsula

Akrotiri Peninsula is a small peninsula which includes the most south area of the Cyprus Island.

Limassol

Amathus Archaeological Site

The Amathus archaeological site is located 11km east of Limassol centre and is considered as one of the most important ancient and historical sites in Cyprus.