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

Archontiko of Axiothea

The Archontiko of Axiothea can be described as a very interesting example of urban architecture of the 18th century.

Nicosia

The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia

The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia is housed in a complex of three traditional buildings on Ippokratous street, within the old town not far from Freedom s

Nicosia

Eleftheria Square – Nicosia

In the capital of Cyprus, where ancient walls still encircle a living, breathing modern city, Eleftheria Square (Plateia Eleftherias, meaning “Freedom Square”)

Nicosia

Shacolas Tower - Nicosia

Shacolas tower is the tallest building in the old town of Nicosia and is one of the tallest in the district.

Nicosia

Fairy Tale Museum, Cyprus

The Fairy tale Museum is located in the Nicosia district and it opened on the 23rd of February 2017, inviting young and old to the magical world of fairy tales.

Nicosia

Omerie Mosque

The mosque is located within the walls, in the south side of old Nicosia, between the bastions Costanza and Podocataro.

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.