Idea #578 – Visiting the castle of Hospital Knights in Kolossi
The first fort of Kolossi is set up in the XIIIth century; it was reconstructed in the XVth century and constitutes a very good example of crusader military architecture. After the taking of Saint Jean d’ Acre in 1291, the fort of Kolossi became the seat of the Great Commanderie of the Knights of the order of Saint Jean of Jerusalem. In the XIVth century, the castle was given back to the Order of the Templars. During their stay in Cyprus, the knights produce and export a sweet wine, known as the “wine of Commanderie”, today conscript Commandaria, one the traditional wines of the island.
The castle consists of a big quadrangular main tower, defended by a drawbridge on the first floor. The sommitale platform is carved, and equipped with machicolation. Next to the fort are the ruins of a mill with sugar of the XIVth century.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Kolossi Castle, Limassol, Cyprus