This 14th-century structure, built over the remains of a Byzantine castle, has been utilised by conquerors throughout Cyprus’ turbulent history. The Venetians vandalised it, the Ottomans gave it a facelift for military use, and the British used it as a colonial prison. Apparently, Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria in the chapel of the original castle in 1191, where he also grandly crowned himself King of Cyprus and his wife Queen of England.
In the courtyard surrounding the castle walls there’s an old olive press that dates from the 7th to 9th centuries.
The interior of Lemesos Castle contains a series of chambers on varying levels which are home to the Medieval Museum . The collection of Byzantine and medieval artefacts on display include tombstones, suits of armour, weaponry, religious objects and Ottoman pottery. Climb up to the rooftop terrace afterwards for views of the city.
