Must-see
Kolossi Castle
Commandaria, the traditional wine of Cyprus, takes its name from here
The story
Kolossi is a medieval castle of the Knights of the Order of Saint John, the Hospitallers. It stands on the edge of the village of the same name, west of Limassol. From the thirteenth century this was their main commandery in Cyprus, the center from which the order ran its lands. Mamluk raids in 1425 and 1426 destroyed the first castle. Later in the fifteenth century, the Grand Commander Louis de Magnac built the present stone tower on the ruins. Next to it are the remains of a sugar factory: sugar cane was grown all around. The knights’ sweet wine was called the wine of the Commandery. That is where the name Commandaria comes from, the traditional wine of Cyprus.
The traditional wine of Cyprus is Commandaria (Κουμανδαρία). Its name is linked to the commandery of the Knights Hospitaller at Kolossi Castle near Limassol.
Visiting
A Department of Antiquities site, open daily: in summer (Apr 16 – Sep 15) 8:30–19:30, in winter (Sep 16 – Apr 15) 8:30–17:00, with different hours on holidays. Entry €2.50. Hours and prices may change.
On the way
Photos
Sources
- Department of Antiquities of Cyprus — Kolossi Castle
- Visit Cyprus (Deputy Ministry of Tourism) — Kolossi Medieval Castle
- Visit Cyprus (Deputy Ministry of Tourism) — Commandaria
- DOM Live: preparing for the long-term residence permit exam, 161 questions about Cyprus (question on the traditional wine)
This text was written by AI from open sources. An expert will still check it. Found a mistake? Write to us. Support
