Kolossi Castle (1)
Kolossi Castle, which is located in the Kolossi area in Lemesos and near to where our villas Mosaica, Aretousa and Amorosa are situated, has played an important role in both the military and economic history of Cyprus and remains a fascinating place to visit today. One of the island’s most impressive historical sites, boasting a colourful past of European Kings, Crusader knights, high finance and Commandaria wine. Located not far from the ruins of ancient Kourion, Kolossi Castle is a square, tower-like structure that offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
The castle’s origins dates back to 1454 AD when it was built by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, but it is unclear whether it was built on the remains of an earlier castle. The ruined walls that still surround the castle today suggest that an earlier castle was built here in the 13th century, when King Hugh I gave Kolossi to the Knights of the Order of St John. The important role that the Kolossi area played on the international stage can be traced back to the conquest of Cyprus in 1191 by King Richard I of England – better known today as Richard the Lionheart. At that time, Kolossi was already an important region boasting rich, fertile land. Located a few kilometres from Limassol port, it was also strategically important and home to extensive sugar cane plantations. When Richard’s forces defeated the army of Isaac Comnenus, the Byzantine ruler of Cyprus, at Kolossi, the English King is said to have returned to Limassol in victory, marrying Berengaria at the Chapel of St George at Lemesos Castle.
Richard’s Cyprus victory was of real importance to the Crusaders who had lost all their properties in the Holy Land and made Cyprus their new base of operations. Richard’s army left the island soon afterwards, leaving Cyprus under the command of his trusted administrators. However, it soon became apparent, that the island could not be held without committing more troops, so an agreement was reached where the island was sold to the Knights Templar. The Templars didn’t keep the island for long either, and in turn sold it to Guy de Lusignan. This started a new period under Frankish domination.
Cyprus would go on to spend around 300 years under the Lusignans, when it would enjoy huge economic growth. The island became an important trading centre, with Famagusta becoming one of the most significant commercial ports in the region. Upon taking control of the island, Guy de Lusignan recognized that he would need outside help in keeping the local populace in check. In an effort to improve his position, he offered incentives to foreigners willing to help him in maintaining order on the island. Many responded to his generous offer, including the Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitallers.
The Templars, founded in 1118, would become very wealthy over the years and ultimately establish banks all over Europe. The Hospitallers, the oldest religious and military order, was established at the end of the 6th century and after transferring their headquarters to Jerusalem in the 11th century, also became known as The Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. King Hugh I gave Kolossi to the Order of St John in 1210, the same year some historians maintain, that the original Kolossi Castle was built. After the fall of Acre in 1291, the Order moved its headquarters to Lemesos and, soon afterwards, to Kolossi. The Knights of St John later moved their headquarters to Rhodes but retained the Kolossi stronghold as a “Commanderie”.