Limassol Castle

Limassol Castle is a medieval fortress in the historic city centre, next to the Old Port and marina. Today, it houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, which displays tombstones, weapons, coins, ceramics and other finds from the Byzantine and medieval periods.

The castle is associated with one of Limassol’s best-known legends: it is believed that the wedding of the English King Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre took place near this site in 1191. However, the exact location of the ceremony has not been historically established.

Since June 2026, the castle walls have been adorned with the large-scale art installation A Thousand Hands, A Thousand Stories: Common Ground («A Thousand Hands, A Thousand Stories: Common Ground»). Over the course of six months, women from different regions of Cyprus crocheted thousands of colourful flowers by hand. Each one is unique and reflects the skill of its creator, while together they symbolise unity, cooperation and the rich traditions of Cypriot handicrafts. The installation was unveiled on 13 June 2026 as part of the European Archaeology Days.

• What to see in the castle
• History of Limassol Castle
• What to see nearby
• How to get there
• Frequently asked questions

What to see in Limassol Castle

The modern fortress building is relatively small, so around an hour is usually enough for a visit. The exhibition is arranged over several levels, including lower rooms and an open terrace.

Cyprus Medieval Museum

The museum has operated in the castle since 1987. Its collection covers a long period, from the Early Christian and Byzantine eras to the periods of Frankish and Venetian rule, as well as the Ottoman period.

Among the exhibits, visitors can see:

• stone tombstones and carved slabs;
• coats of arms and architectural details;
• medieval ceramics and coins;
• jewellery;
• armour, swords and other weapons;
• everyday objects;
• fragments of frescoes and ecclesiastical art.

Stone tombstones

One of the most notable parts of the collection is the tomb slabs dating from the 13th–14th centuries. They preserve images of knights, members of the nobility and clergy, as well as coats of arms and inscriptions. Many of the finds come from medieval churches in Nicosia and other areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

Lower rooms

The underground and lower rooms of the castle recall the period when the structure was used not only as a fortress but also as a prison. During British rule, the castle cells continued to be used for holding prisoners.

Terrace

The upper platform offers views of the roofs of the old city, the Old Port and the modern buildings of Limassol. It is not a full-fledged urban viewing platform, but from here it is easy to see how close the historic and modern parts of the city are to each other.

Castle courtyard

The courtyard contains stone architectural elements and old equipment associated with the island’s traditional crafts and rural life. The massive outer walls of the fortress can also be examined here.

History of Limassol Castle

The exact date when the first fortress appeared on this site is unknown. Archaeological research has shown that the modern building stands over the remains of earlier structures, including an Early Christian basilica and Byzantine fortifications.

Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre

In 1191, the ships carrying Richard the Lionheart’s sister, Joanna of England, and his fiancée, Berengaria of Navarre, reached the shores of Cyprus. Following a conflict with the island’s ruler, Isaac Komnenos, Richard landed in Cyprus and established control over it.

In May of the same year, Richard and Berengaria were married in Limassol. Berengaria was also crowned Queen of England here. Popular tradition associates the ceremony with a chapel that stood on the site of, or in the immediate vicinity of, the future castle; however, there is no documentary evidence that the wedding took place inside the existing building.

The Lusignans and the Genoese

After Cyprus came under the rule of the Lusignan dynasty, the fortification developed together with the city and port. In the following centuries, the castle was repeatedly damaged during military conflicts, including attacks by the Genoese and Mamluks, as well as as a result of earthquakes.

Venetian and Ottoman periods

The Venetians partially dismantled the fortifications, fearing that an enemy might use them. After Ottoman control was established over Cyprus, the castle was restored and rebuilt. The main features of the present massive rectangular building date from the Ottoman reconstruction of the late 16th century.

Prison and museum

During the Ottoman and British periods, the castle was used as a prison. In 1950, the building was transferred to the Department of Antiquities, after which research and restoration work began. Since 1987, the fortress has housed the Cyprus Medieval Museum.

What to see near Limassol Castle

The castle is located in one of the city’s most convenient areas for walking. A visit to the fortress can be combined with the Old Port, marina, promenade and streets of the historic centre — most places are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Square by the castle

The fortress is surrounded by a pedestrian square with cafés, tavernas and restaurants. In the evening, it is one of the liveliest areas of old Limassol.

Old Port

The Old Port is located next to the castle. Following its renovation, it became a promenade area with small vessels, restaurants and sea views. It takes just a few minutes to walk from the square in front of the fortress to the port.
Location

Limassol Marina

The Old Port directly connects to the modern Limassol Marina. It has promenades, restaurants, shops and yacht berths. The marina is suitable for a leisurely walk after visiting the museum.
Location

Takis Pattichis Museum of Industrial Pharmacy

This small museum near the castle is dedicated to the history of pharmaceutical production in Cyprus. Its exhibition includes laboratory instruments, production equipment and materials that tell the story of the industry’s development.
Location

Carob Museum

The building of a former mill preserves equipment that was used to process carob fruit. At one time, this product was an important part of Cyprus’s export economy and acquired the unofficial name “the island’s black gold”.
Location

Ayia Napa Cathedral

Ayia Napa Cathedral is located in the historic centre of Limassol, approximately a 10-minute walk from the castle. The modern building was erected at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries on the site of an earlier church.
Location

Agias Andreou Street and Saripolou Square

The walk can continue along the old shopping street of Agias Andreou, followed by Saripolou Square and the city market. The area preserves buildings from the colonial period, small shops, cafés and bars.

Molos Promenade

It is easy to walk from the castle to Molos Promenade, with its palm trees, sculptures, playgrounds and paths along the sea. The route through the Old Port and marina combines the historic part of Limassol with the modern coastal area.

How to get to Limassol Castle

The castle is located in the historic centre of Limassol at Richardou & Berengarias, next to the Old Port.
Location

By bus

The historic centre can be reached by city buses running along the coast. The nearest stops are in the Old Port and promenade areas. Routes and timetables may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information with the transport operator before travelling.

By car

It is usually not possible to drive directly to the castle entrance: the surrounding streets are partly pedestrianised. Paid car parks are located near the Old Port, marina and neighbouring streets of the historic centre. At weekends and in the evening, it is better to look for a space in advance.

On foot

It takes just a few minutes to walk to the castle from Molos Promenade, the Old Port and the marina. From Saripolou Square, the walk takes around 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about Limassol Castle

How is Limassol Castle open?

According to the published schedule, the castle is open:

• Monday to Saturday — from 09:00 to 17:00;
• Sunday — from 10:00 to 13:00.

The museum is closed on official public holidays. Opening hours may change, so it is advisable to confirm them before visiting on the Department of Antiquities website or by calling +357 25 305 419.

How much does admission cost?

The published admission fee is €4.50. Organised groups of more than 10 people receive a 20% discount. Rates may change without prior notice.

How long does it take to visit the castle?

For a regular visit, approximately 45–60 minutes is sufficient. Visitors who study the museum captions and historical exhibits in detail should allow up to one and a half hours.

Can the castle be visited with children?

Yes. The exhibition may be interesting for school-age children thanks to the armour, weapons, stone tombstones and the fortress building itself. Keep in mind that there are stairs, narrow passages and uneven surfaces.

Is the castle accessible to visitors with limited mobility?

The historic layout, stairs and several levels may make it difficult to visit part of the exhibition. Before travelling, it is advisable to contact the museum and уточнить the accessibility of specific rooms.

Is it true that Richard the Lionheart was married in the castle?

The wedding of Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre did indeed take place in Limassol in 1191. However, the claim that the ceremony took place in the present castle building belongs to popular tradition: the modern fortress was formed much later.

What is best to see after the castle?

The nearest convenient route passes through the Old Port, Limassol Marina and Molos Promenade. For a longer walk, you can add the Carob Museum, Agias Andreou Street, Saripolou Square and Ayia Napa Cathedral.