Overview
Limassol’s castle is not just a crowning jewel of the old-town, but also a trip into the island’s past, its role in the Byzantine Empire and the Crusades and must-attraction to visit.
The Cyprus Medieval Museum housed in the castle is a middle-ages history buff’s dream, with pottery, tombstones, and Byzantine antiquities on display.
The castle, constructed in the 13th century, used to be larger, and later subject to modification when the Venetians fortified the structure so it could be used for the city’s defence. Another legend states that Richard the Lionheart married his Berengaria of Navarre on his way to the third crusade, making her the Queen of England.
In 1570 the Ottomans conquered the castle and used it as a garrison and jail. During British Rule it functioned as a police station, and briefly as a place of detainment. From the Turkish occupation until the 1940s the castle was used as a prison. When the prison moved to Nicosia, Limassol Castle was given to the Department of Antiquities that turned it into the Cyprus Medieval Museum in 1987.
Walk down memory lane and discover Cyprus’ ancient history and religious life with a visit at the Cyprus Medieval Museum, that’s open all year round, expect on public holidays, for an entrance fee of €4.50 For organised groups consisting of more than 10 persons there is a 20% reduction on the entry fees.
Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
