Table of Contents
How an English King Conquered Cyprus
1191: Richard the Lionheart's fleet blown to Cyprus. Local ruler made mistake of capturing Richard's fiancée. Richard conquered entire island in weeks, married Berengaria in Limassol Castle, then sold Cyprus to Templars. Story so cinematic Hollywood hasn't filmed it yet.
The Places
Limassol Castle: Richard married Berengaria here May 12, 1191. Medieval museum tells the story (€4.50). Kolossi: Templars/Hospitallers administered from here. Famagusta: Lusignan dynasty made it Mediterranean's richest city.
This was exactly our experience: How an English King Conquered Cyprus 1191: Richard the Lionheart's fleet blown to Cyprus. Local ruler made mistake of capturing Richard's fiancée. Richard conquered entire island in weeks, married ...
– History enthusiast from Berlin, in Limassol since 2024
Why It Matters
Crusader era (1191-1571) shaped Cyprus more than any period since antiquity: Gothic churches, Commandaria wine, even Halloumi first mentioned in Crusader-era texts. An afternoon at Limassol Castle + Kolossi: more insight than 100 guidebook pages.
Richard the Lionheart in Cyprus
Locations: Limassol
Topics: How an English King Conquered Cyprus, The Places, Why It Matters
CMC Practical Tip
How an English King Conquered Cyprus 1191: Richard the Lionheart's fleet blown to Cyprus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medieval museum: armor, weapons, ceramics. Chapel where Richard married. €4.50, 45-60 min.
Yes – May 12, 1191. Berengaria crowned Queen of England on Cypriot soil. Only English coronation outside England.
Sold to Templars, then Lusignan dynasty (300 years), Venetians, Ottomans, British, independence.
Castle: yes (knights, armor, swords). Kolossi: yes (climb tower). "A king married here and won the island" – enough for excitement.
How CMC Supports You
At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.
As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.