CYPRUS: THE KOLOSSI CASTLE
![Photo of the Kolossi Tower Cyprus Kolossi Tower Cyprus](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-tower.jpg)
Another famous historic site in the area of Limassol is Kolossi, a citadel with a characteristic square form.
![Photo of the vaults of Kolossi Castle - Cyprus vaults of Kolossi Castle - Cyprus](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-vaults.jpg)
The interior of the first courtyard reveals vaults of refined architecture.
![photos of the ramparts of Kolossi Castle ramparts of Kolossi Castle](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-ramparts.jpg)
The citadel was protected by thick ramparts, which were also used as warehouses or stables.
![Photo of Kolossi Castle - Cyprus Kolossi Castle - Cyprus](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-castle.jpg)
Kolossi was built in the 13th century by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.
After being driven out of Palestine by the Arabs, these knights found refuge in Cyprus, before eventually settling on the island of Rhodes, and later in Malta, where they became better known as the Knights of the Order of Malta.
![Photo of the entrance of Kolossi Castle entrance of the Kolossi Castle](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-castle-entrance.jpg)
Now, let’s enter the Square Tower and explore its intriguing interior...
![Photo of kolossi knights hall of Kolossi Castle Kolossi knights hall of Kolossi Castle](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-knights-hall.jpg)
Here is the main hall, where one can imagine the life of the knights who divided their time between defending Christianity against Islam, caring for the wounded and sick, and tending to the local vineyard
![Photo of the painting of crucifixion of Jesus Room with the painting of crucifixion of Jesus](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-first-floor-painting-crucifixion.jpg)
"In this other room, one can notice a period painting in the background depicting the Crucifixion of Jesus.
![Photo of Kolossi Castle stairway Kolossi Castle stairway](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-stairway.jpg)
Several staircases allow access to the different levels, and even...
![Photo of Kolossi Castle terrace Kolossi Castle terrace](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/kolossi-terrace.jpg)
To go out on the terrace, at the top of the tower.
![Photo of Cyprus Cat Cyprus Cat](https://www.photoway.com/en/cyprus/kolossi-castle/cyprus-cat.jpg)
Nowadays, there are no more Crusader knights at Kolossi, but a few brave cats stand guard!
All photos of Kolossi Castle © 1996 - 2013 by Richard Soberka