Commemorative Issue of 'Europa' 2017 postage stamps series depicting the Castles of Cyprus
antiquities (object genre)
castles (fortifications)
coastal fortifications
fortifications
forts
monuments
World Heritage Sites
postage stamps
airmail stamps
philately
castle
historic building
The theme of this year’s series “EUROPA” which is selected by the European Postal Organisation (PostEurop) and is common to all the organization’s member states, is “ Castles”. The series “Europa 2017” is composed of two stamps which depict castles of Cyprus. The stamp of 41c stamp depicts the Castle of Larnaka and its present day form. It was originally built by the Ottomans in 1625, replacing an older Lusignan castle which had been damaged. The castle was used as a military garrison residence and to protect the neighboring anchorage. The 64c stamp depicts the castle of Paphos castle which has been a declared Ancient Monument since 1935 and a UNESCO World Heritage List monument, along with other monuments of the archaeological park of Paphos, since 1980. It is located in the harbour area of Paphos town and its main role was to control the gateway of the port and provide defence against any hostile troops . Most scholars agree upon the mid-/late-14th century as its date of erection by the Frankish ruling family of the Lusignans, despite there being no solid and reliable testimonies regarding any fortification works carried out between the earthquake of 1222 and the invasion of the Genoese in 1373. Its importance lies in the symbolic meaning as the most prominent and dominant archaeological monument of Paphos and therefore it is considered a landmark for tourists and the town itself. The castle adorns several types of media such as photographs, postcards, postage stamps and gravures. Today the castle is open to the public to visit as a sightseeing.
Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus
Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία
Library of Cyprus University of Technology
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Photograph of Paphos Castle (14th century) Photograph of the Castle, Paphos, Cyprus (1940-1965) Photograph of the Castle, Paphos, Cyprus (1940-1965) Photograph of the Castle and the port of Paphos Photograph of the Medieval Fort, Paphos, Cyprus Postcard, Fortress of Paphos, Cyprus (1936) Postcard, Paphos Catle and Harbour, Cyprus (1953) Postage stamp of Paphos Castle, ΕuropaVisit Cyprus, Commemorative Issue (2012) Postage stamp of Paphos Castle, Europa Castles (2017) Postage stamp of Kyrenia II in front of Paphos Castle (1984) Paphos castle History of Paphos castle Flythrough video presenting Paphos castle's point cloud Photograph of Paphos Medieval castle dominating the harbour of the town Photograph of Paphos Medieval castle dominating the harbour of the town The Paphos Medieval castle located at the town's harbour The Medieval castle of Paphos glow at night Front side of a postcard depicting the Fortress of Paphos in Cyprus alongside its back cover Front side of a postcard depicting the Fortress of Paphos in Cyprus alongside its back cover Commemorative Issue of ΕuropaVisit postage stamps series of Cyprus
IMAGE
Kato Pafos Castle
Commemorative Issue of ΕuropaVisit postage stamps series of Cyprus
The 51c stamp depicts sunset at Paphos harbour with its medieval castle in the background. It reminds one of the Assyrian King Sargon II who referred to Cyprus as: “The land in the sea of the setting sun”. Paphos castle has been a declared Ancient Monument since 1935 and a UNESCO World Heritage List monument, along with other monuments of the archaeological park of Paphos, since 1980. It is located in the harbour area of Paphos town and its main role was to control the gateway of the port and provide defence against any hostile troops . Most scholars agree upon the mid-/late-14th century as its date of erection by the Frankish ruling family of the Lusignans, despite there being no solid and reliable testimonies regarding any fortification works carried out between the earthquake of 1222 and the invasion of the Genoese in 1373. Its importance lies in the symbolic meaning as the most prominent and dominant archaeological monument of Paphos and therefore it is considered a landmark for tourists and the town itself. The castle adorns several types of media such as photographs, postcards, postage stamps and gravures. Today the castle is open to the public to visit as a sightseeing. Cyprus as a holiday destination for all seasons offers visitors an exhilarating, unforgettable and care free time. With its: Sun-drenched beaches and dark blue seas, Snow-clad mountains and cedar forests, Picturesque villages steeped in wine history, Delightful treks in unspoilt Akamas Byzantine Churches and World Heritage Sites, Cyprus exudes a cultural heritage from mythological times and a history dating back to some 10,000 years. It invites everyone to re-live the love life of Aphrodite and Adonis, to explore its ancient monuments, to savour its wines and home made desserts and take with them memories that will last a lifetime.
Photograph of Paphos Castle (14th century) Photograph of the Castle, Paphos, Cyprus (1940-1965) Photograph of the Castle, Paphos, Cyprus (1940-1965) Photograph of the Castle and the port of Paphos Photograph of the Medieval Fort, Paphos, Cyprus Postcard, Fortress of Paphos, Cyprus (1936) Postcard, Paphos Catle and Harbour, Cyprus (1953) Postage stamp of Paphos Castle, ΕuropaVisit Cyprus, Commemorative Issue (2012) Postage stamp of Paphos Castle, Europa Castles (2017) Postage stamp of Kyrenia II in front of Paphos Castle (1984) Paphos castle History of Paphos castle Flythrough video presenting Paphos castle's point cloud Photograph of Paphos Medieval castle dominating the harbour of the town Photograph of Paphos Medieval castle dominating the harbour of the town The Paphos Medieval castle located at the town's harbour The Medieval castle of Paphos glow at night Front side of a postcard depicting the Fortress of Paphos in Cyprus alongside its back cover Front side of a postcard depicting the Fortress of Paphos in Cyprus alongside its back cover
Kolossi Castle, EUROPA Issue Architecture, Republic of Cyprus
British Colonial
Cypriote periods
Frankish (culture or style)
Medieval (European)
Medieval styles and periods
Modern (style or period)
Ottoman (style)
Venetian
Kolossi castle is a medieval castle built in the 15th century A.D. It is also known as Koulas. The donjon lies in the vicinity of the village of the same name in the south-western outskirts of Limassol. The plain on which the castle is located is one of the agriculturally richest regions of the island from which the renowned Commandaria comes from. The order of Saint John, the owners of the castle, initiated the production of the wine which reached even north-European royal courts. The castle constitutes one of the most important building works of the Frankish period (A.D. 1191-1489). Its services were multi-faceted throughout the centuries including being: the main residence of the Grand Commander and the administrative centre of the Order; the estates’ nucleus for the production of sugar and other products of the region; the domination symbol of the Hospitallers; a storage house; water features; and viewpoints. Before the erection of the current castle, a quadrangular curtain wall with supporting rooms on the west side, related to the refinement of sugar, must occupied the area. However, the keep which one can see today was built in the 1450s by Louis de Magnac, the General Commander of the Hospitallers in Cyprus. The fortress is an enormous square, well-built, three-story edifice, built from local limestone ashlar blocks. The castle is one of the most photographed monuments, adorning postcards, postage stamps, gravures and other media. Today the castle is open to the public to visit as a sightseeing.
Το κάστρο Κολοσσίου είναι Μεσαιωνικό φρούριο το οποίο χρονολογείται στον 15ο αιώνα μ.Χ. και οικοδομήθηκε με χορηγία του Louis de Magnac, Μεγάλου Μαγίστρου του Τάγματος των Ιωαννιτών Ιπποτών. Το φρούριο ονομάζεται και Κούλας και βρίσκεται σε μια από τις πιο εύφορες πεδιάδες του νησιού, στα νοτιο-δυτικά της πόλης της Λεμεσού στην οποία έδρευε η Commanderie – Ανώτατη Στρατιωτική Διοίκηση - των Ιωαννιτών Ιπποτών, από την οποία εξέλαβε και το όνομά του το περίφημο κρασί Κουμανταρία. Το κάστρο αποτελεί ένα από τα πιο σημαντικά οικοδομήματα της Φραγκικής περιόδου (A.D. 1191-1489) και κατά τη διάρκεια των αιώνων είχε αρκετές και διαφορετικές χρήσεις όπως η κύρια κατοικία του Μεγάλου Μαγίστρου και το διοικητικό κέντρο του Τάγματος, κέντρο παραγωγής ζάχαρης και άλλων προϊόντων της περιοχής, σύμβολο κυριαρχίας των Ιωαννιτών Ιπποτών, αποθηκευτικοί χώροι, δεξαμενές νερού και παρατηρητήριο. Το κάστρο αποτελεί ένα απο τα πιο πολυφωτογραφημένα μνημεία του νησιού, διακοσμώντας καρτ-ποστάλ, γραμματόσημα, γκραβούρες και άλλα μέσα. Σήμερα το κάστρο είναι ανοικτό προς επίσκεψη από το κοινό.
Digital Heritage Research Lab of Cyprus University of Technology
Kolossi Castle Postage stamp of King George V depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1934) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 3 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 4 piasters (1938) Photograph of the Kolossi castle during the 1950s-1960s (PIO – Press and Information Office) Photograph of the Kolossi castle (Pattichion Municipal Museum, Historical Archive and Research Centre) Photograph of the Kolossi Medieval Castle (13th centuary) History of Kolossi castle Images of Kolossi castle's 3D point cloud Flythrough video presenting Kolossi castle's 3D pointcloud Video showing tourists visiting archaeological sites all around Cyprus, including the Kolossi castle Postcard depicting Cypriot people in front of Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Castle
Commemorative postage stamp series of the Republic of Cyprus depicting the Voyage of 'Kyrenia II' to New York
The story of this sailing ship, christened 'Kyrenia II', began when the original of which it is a replica set sail some 2,400 years ago, and on a fateful voyage sank off the coast of Kyrenia. It was not until 1965 that a diver accidentally came across the wreck. Its timbers were carbon dated to 388 B.C. and its cargo of olives and almonds to 288 B.C. The Department of Antiquities classified it as an archaeological treasure and the American Institute of Nautical Archaeology was approached to help raise and preserve it. This was done and it now lies preserved in Kyrenia castle. 'Kyrenia II', a full-sized model of the original was built by the Hellenic Institute for the Preservation of Nautical Tradition, at Perama in 1982. It was not an easy task as traditional rather than modern tools were used and the builders wanted to replicate ancient Greek shipbuilding methods to ensure authenticity. 'Kyrenia II' was launched in 1985. The journey to the Statue of Liberty's Centenary Celebrations in 1986 was made possible in the safety of a containership. An ocean crossing was not deemed possible but it did sail into New York. It also sailed to Greece and back even though at times it had to be towed. It also made trips to Hamburg and Expo 92 in Seville, and was on show at various locations in Greece. Its final resting place is planned to be the Museum of Nautical History at Ayia Napa in Cyprus.
Commemorative postage stamp series of the Republic of Cyprus depicting 'Kyrenia II' in front of Paphos Medieval castle
Photograph of Paphos Castle (14th century) Photograph of the Castle, Paphos, Cyprus (1940-1965) Photograph of the Castle, Paphos, Cyprus (1940-1965) Photograph of the Castle and the port of Paphos Photograph of the Medieval Fort, Paphos, Cyprus Postcard, Fortress of Paphos, Cyprus (1936) Postcard, Paphos Catle and Harbour, Cyprus (1953) Postage stamp of Paphos Castle, ΕuropaVisit Cyprus, Commemorative Issue (2012) Postage stamp of Paphos Castle, Europa Castles (2017) Postage stamp of Kyrenia II in front of Paphos Castle (1984) Paphos castle History of Paphos castle Flythrough video presenting Paphos castle's point cloud Photograph of Paphos Medieval castle dominating the harbour of the town Photograph of Paphos Medieval castle dominating the harbour of the town The Paphos Medieval castle located at the town's harbour The Medieval castle of Paphos glow at night Front side of a postcard depicting the Fortress of Paphos in Cyprus alongside its back cover Front side of a postcard depicting the Fortress of Paphos in Cyprus alongside its back cover Commemorative Issue of ΕuropaVisit postage stamps series of Cyprus Commemorative Issue of 'Europa 2017' postage stamps series depicting two of the Castles of Cyprus
Kolossi Castle, Pictorial Definitive Issue of King George VI (4 piastres), Republic of Cyprus
Kolossi Castle Postage stamp of King George V depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1934) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 3 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of Kolossi Castle, EUROPA Issue Architecture (1978) Photograph of the Kolossi castle during the 1950s-1960s (PIO – Press and Information Office) Photograph of the Kolossi castle (Pattichion Municipal Museum, Historical Archive and Research Centre) Photograph of the Kolossi Medieval Castle (13th centuary) History of Kolossi castle Images of Kolossi castle's 3D point cloud Flythrough video presenting Kolossi castle's 3D pointcloud Video showing tourists visiting archaeological sites all around Cyprus, including the Kolossi castle Postcard depicting Cypriot people in front of Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Castle, Pictorial Definitive Issue of King George VI (3 piastres), Republic of Cyprus
Kolossi Castle Postage stamp of King George V depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1934) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 4 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of Kolossi Castle, EUROPA Issue Architecture (1978) Photograph of the Kolossi castle during the 1950s-1960s (PIO – Press and Information Office) Photograph of the Kolossi castle (Pattichion Municipal Museum, Historical Archive and Research Centre) Photograph of the Kolossi Medieval Castle (13th centuary) History of Kolossi castle Images of Kolossi castle's 3D point cloud Flythrough video presenting Kolossi castle's 3D pointcloud Video showing tourists visiting archaeological sites all around Cyprus, including the Kolossi castle Postcard depicting Cypriot people in front of Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Castle, Pictorial Definitive Issue of King George VI (2.5 piastres), Republic of Cyprus
Kolossi Castle Postage stamp of King George V depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1934) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 3 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 4 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of Kolossi Castle, EUROPA Issue Architecture (1978) Photograph of the Kolossi castle during the 1950s-1960s (PIO – Press and Information Office) Photograph of the Kolossi castle (Pattichion Municipal Museum, Historical Archive and Research Centre) Photograph of the Kolossi Medieval Castle (13th centuary) History of Kolossi castle Images of Kolossi castle's 3D point cloud Flythrough video presenting Kolossi castle's 3D pointcloud Video showing tourists visiting archaeological sites all around Cyprus, including the Kolossi castle Postcard depicting Cypriot people in front of Kolossi Castle
Kolossi Castle, Pictorial Definitive Issue of King George V (2 1/2 piastres), Republic of Cyprus
The depiction shows King George V and Kolossi castle. Kolossi castle is a medieval castle built in the 15th century A.D. It is also known as Koulas. The donjon lies in the vicinity of the village of the same name in the south-western outskirts of Limassol. The plain on which the castle is located is one of the agriculturally richest regions of the island from which the renowned Commandaria comes from. The order of Saint John, the owners of the castle, initiated the production of the wine which reached even north-European royal courts. The castle constitutes one of the most important building works of the Frankish period (A.D. 1191-1489). Its services were multi-faceted throughout the centuries including being: the main residence of the Grand Commander and the administrative centre of the Order; the estates’ nucleus for the production of sugar and other products of the region; the domination symbol of the Hospitallers; a storage house; water features; and viewpoints. Before the erection of the current castle, a quadrangular curtain wall with supporting rooms on the west side, related to the refinement of sugar, must occupied the area. However, the keep which one can see today was built in the 1450s by Louis de Magnac, the General Commander of the Hospitallers in Cyprus. The fortress is an enormous square, well-built, three-story edifice, built from local limestone ashlar blocks. The castle is one of the most photographed monuments, adorning postcards, postage stamps, gravures and other media. Today the castle is open to the public to visit as a sightseeing.
Το γραμματόσημο παρουσιάζει τον βασιλιά Γεώργιο Ε' σε μετάλλιο και το κάστρο Κολοσσίου. Το κάστρο Κολοσσίου είναι Μεσαιωνικό φρούριο το οποίο χρονολογείται στον 15ο αιώνα μ.Χ. και οικοδομήθηκε με χορηγία του Louis de Magnac, Μεγάλου Μαγίστρου του Τάγματος των Ιωαννιτών Ιπποτών. Το φρούριο ονομάζεται και Κούλας και βρίσκεται σε μια από τις πιο εύφορες πεδιάδες του νησιού, στα νοτιο-δυτικά της πόλης της Λεμεσού στην οποία έδρευε η Commanderie – Ανώτατη Στρατιωτική Διοίκηση - των Ιωαννιτών Ιπποτών, από την οποία εξέλαβε και το όνομά του το περίφημο κρασί Κουμανταρία. Το κάστρο αποτελεί ένα από τα πιο σημαντικά οικοδομήματα της Φραγκικής περιόδου (A.D. 1191-1489) και κατά τη διάρκεια των αιώνων είχε αρκετές και διαφορετικές χρήσεις όπως η κύρια κατοικία του Μεγάλου Μαγίστρου και το διοικητικό κέντρο του Τάγματος, κέντρο παραγωγής ζάχαρης και άλλων προϊόντων της περιοχής, σύμβολο κυριαρχίας των Ιωαννιτών Ιπποτών, αποθηκευτικοί χώροι, δεξαμενές νερού και παρατηρητήριο. Το κάστρο αποτελεί ένα απο τα πιο πολυφωτογραφημένα μνημεία του νησιού, διακοσμώντας καρτ-ποστάλ, γραμματόσημα, γκραβούρες και άλλα μέσα. Σήμερα το κάστρο είναι ανοικτό προς επίσκεψη από το κοινό.
Kolossi Castle Postage stamp of King George V depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1934) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 2 1/2 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 3 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of King George VI depicting Kolossi castle 4 piasters (1938) Postage stamp of Kolossi Castle, EUROPA Issue Architecture (1978) Photograph of the Kolossi castle during the 1950s-1960s (PIO – Press and Information Office) Photograph of the Kolossi castle (Pattichion Municipal Museum, Historical Archive and Research Centre) Photograph of the Kolossi Medieval Castle (13th centuary) History of Kolossi castle Images of Kolossi castle's 3D point cloud Flythrough video presenting Kolossi castle's 3D pointcloud Video showing tourists visiting archaeological sites all around Cyprus, including the Kolossi castle Postcard depicting Cypriot people in front of Kolossi Castle