Kolossi Castle

About

Kolossi Castle was built in 1210 by the Franks, and passed between two of the world’s most famous knightly orders: the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitallers. As their stronghold on Cyprus during the Crusades, its thick walls and stoic facade serve just one purpose: military might. But there’s also a sweet side to Kolossi Castle’s history. It’s said when King Richard I got married at nearby Limassol​​, the ceremony was concluded with a sip of Commandaria from Kolossi, which Richard declared “the wine of kings and king of wines.” Commandaria is still produced today (though not at the castle), making it the world’s oldest manufactured wine. While today the castle halls are all but bare, keeping its prestigious past in mind as you scale the stairs to the top makes your visit all the sweeter.