Limassol Castle

Limassol Castle is a medieval fortress located in the historic center of the city.

It is the most visited monument in Limassol and one of the most historic sites on the entire island of Cyprus: over 800 years filled with legends, battles, and memorable events.

• Interesting places in the castle
• History of Limassol Castle
• How to get to the castle
• Frequently asked questions

Interesting places in Limassol Castle

Since 1987, the castle has housed the Medieval Museum of Cyprus, whose exhibits allow visitors to trace the history of Limassol from the Middle Ages to the present day. Over the centuries, this fortress has witnessed conquests, earthquakes, and restorations, reflecting the turbulent history of the island.

At first glance, the castle looks austere: a rectangular building with thick stone walls. Passing through the guardhouse, visitors can explore the cellars or go up to the upper floors, where the museum's collection is located.

First floor

It is dedicated to medieval architecture. Special attention is drawn to the stone tombstones from the 13th and 14th centuries, with carved figures of nobles, monks, and knights, as well as coats of arms and inscriptions. Frescoes and ceramics from the Frankish period are also kept here.

Second floor

Here is most of the Medieval Museum. It is divided into thematic halls that show everyday life in medieval Cyprus. You can see armor, cold and firearms, ceramics, coins, jewelry, marble furniture, and clothing of that era. There is also a small terrace with a panoramic view. Although these are not the most impressive views in the city, it is a pleasant place to take a break.

Third floor

On this floor, there are paintings from Byzantine churches and sculptures from the former Cathedral of Saint Sophia (today Selimiye Mosque in the northern part of Nicosia).

Castle exterior

In the museum courtyard, you can see other historical elements: an olive oil press (7th–9th centuries), a reconstruction of a Byzantine mill, and architectural remains of ancient buildings.

History of Limassol Castle

The exact date of the castle's construction is unknown, but it is estimated to have been around 1193. The most popular legend associates it with King Richard the Lionheart of England and Princess Berengaria of Navarre.

In 1191, Richard set out for Jerusalem to participate in the Crusades. His bride Berengaria arrived on the coast of Cyprus after a storm, and the then ruler of the island, a vassal of the Byzantine Empire, did not allow her to land (according to another version, he took her hostage). In response, Richard conquered Limassol and the rest of Cyprus in just one month. After the victory, the couple married in a Christian basilica located on the site where the castle was later built.

The castle was rebuilt several times over the centuries. It was attacked by the Genoese (1337), Mamluks (1425), and Ottomans (1538 and 1570). The Ottoman Turks gave it its modern appearance after a major restoration in 1590.

How to get to Limassol Castle

The castle is located in the historic center, near the Old Harbour.

Bus

Bus No. 30 runs along the entire Limassol coast, from the My Mall shopping center to the Le Meridien hotel. Get off at the "Old Harbour" stop and walk a few minutes.

Taxi

Official taxis in Limassol are easy to recognize; they usually have fixed rates for the most popular routes.

Car rental

You can get to Limassol from other cities of Cyprus by intercity buses, but it is easiest by rented car. Offers from 10-12 euros per day are available at Localrent or Discover Cars.

Motorcycle rental

Cyprus, with its dry and warm climate and scenic high-quality roads, is a paradise for motorcyclists. If you have the appropriate license category, feel free to rent a two-wheeled friend, for example through the specialized aggregator BikesBooking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Limassol Castle

How does Limassol Castle operate?

Limassol Castle is open year-round and every day. The schedule depends on the day of the week:

• Monday — Saturday: 09:00 — 17:00
• Sunday: 10:00 — 13:00

The castle is closed on official public holidays.

How much is the entrance fee to Limassol Castle?

The entrance ticket costs €4.5 per person. Children under 12 enter for free. You can save money with the Museum Pass — read about it in our article.

How much time is needed to explore the castle?

Visitors usually spend about an hour exploring the entire exhibition. If you are a history enthusiast, you may need more time.

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