Medieval Castle of Lemesos

3 нояб. 2017 г.
2 мин. чтения

The Castle of Lemesos can be found on the western edge of the historic city centre and its purpose was to guard and protect both the port and the city itself. The present edifice dates back to the Ottoman period (1560) and it was in this architectural phase that the remains of the earlier and larger medieval castle were incorporated. Although the oldest written reference to the Castle of Lemesos dates back to 1228, archaeological evidence indicates that it existed during the Byzantine period. Today, the castle houses the Medieval Museum of Cyprus.

Before the Ottoman period and invasion of Turks in 1570, the earthquake hit the monument in 1491. Some of the tombstones were also wildly damaged by Turks who wanted to erase pictures and faces from the surfaces by scratching them. On the second floor you’ll find a collection of Byzantine coinage, glazed pottery, armory, capitals, reliefs etc.

Some things which I didn’t like inside were: - the lighting; - the glass cases with wooden basis; - the lack of staff; - they definitely need some new museum equipment; - the infographics were written in a strange manner and not for every artwork.

Speaking in general, it a great place in the old town of Lemesos with a splendid view on the seafront where you can feel the medieval spirit of Cyprus.

It’s been three years since I haven’t been here. Things didn’t change that much. Some parts of the exhibition were under renovation. Here you can examine some glazed pottery which were created in 14th century. If you want to see the biggest collection you should go to Leventis Municipal Museum in Nicosia.

In winter of 2013 I made a photograph of that tombstone on my vintage film camera Zenit ET. Now 2018 is so close. Time flies so fast. Do you usually make a to-do-list for the following year with your wishes? I think I’ll need a one. By the way, here one that tombstone you can see the year which is MDLX. That Roman numeral corresponds to Arabic number 1560.