Cyprus - My 7 day circuit across the country - Day 5 morning (cont.) - Southern Cyprus - Kolossi - the Medieval Castle - the 9th of November 2016

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Considered as the best preserved Medieval Castle in Cyprus Kolossi Castle was initially built by the knights of the Order of Jerusalem in 1210 so as to be used as the Grand Master's headquarters, though its present shape dates to 1454 thanks to Louis de Magnac.


Laid out on a square plan the three-storey structure did have quite an interestingly carved machicolation above the gate, which allowed the pouring of boiling water, oil or any other melted tar over the attackers, despite the fact that it was primarily a residence and the headquarters for the Order rather than any form of defence of the kingdom type of stronghold. 

On the Eastern side one could see the escutcheons of the Kingdom of Lusignan, Magnac and the Grand Masters of the Order.



On the ground floor we came across three rooms roofed by pointed barrel vaults, believed to have been used as storage rooms.

As we moved onto one of the two rooms on the first floor a wall painting, probably dating from the 15th century depicting the Crucification called the visitors' attention, indicating that it was possibly used as a place of worship. 

The second floor equally divided in two rooms, each of which with a fireplace with the coat of arms of the Magnac Dinasty, with its characteristic fleur-de-lily in bas relief.

Several of us walked up onto the flat roof surrounded by battlements via a narrow staircase. It is possible it was used to supervise the work in the plantations and vineyards but spot enemy ships as well. From it we could see the large vaulted stone building, the once Sugar Refinary, looking seemingly bigger than the first photo I had taken of it upon walking into the Castle premises. 

I did enjoy this visit particularly ...

    (To be continued)