Limassol Destination Guide
The south coast town of Limassol is the island's largest seaside resort. The Troodos Mountains, spreading for ten miles along the coast, act as a magnificent backdrop to the city, and on their fertile foothills the majority of Cyprus' grapes are grown. Limassol has a long history, and in fact since the days of Richard the Lionheart, when the Crusaders held Cyprus, it has been known to traders for its wine and sugar cane. Being the centre of the wine-making industry in Cyprus, as well as an important tourist and commercial hub, have combined to make it the second largest city, with a population of roughly 135,000, although this rises with the influx of tourists.
Wandering down the wide seafront promenade on a balmy summer evening is one of the real pleasures of Limassol.
This Limassol destination guide gives a basic breakdown of what there is to see and do in Limassol. A perfect way to get to see the Limassol tourist attractions is to take a tour. For some general information about travelling Cyprus visit our Cyprus country guide. You could also check out some of the local highlights of the nearby cities of Paphos, Athens and Beirut.
Apart from strolling along Limassol's seafront, souvenir shoping down its narrow streets, or celebrating during one of the festivals, some of the other Limassol highlights include Limassol Castle, where Richard Lionheart married Berengaria, Kolossi Castle, the ancient city of Curium and the other archaeological and historical sites scattered around the city and surrounding areas. And after all this cultural wandering, what better place to relax in the evening than Yermasogea, which is the main tourist area and is a meeting place of bars and clubs for locals and tourists alike.
With a history that includes hosting a Royal Wedding in the middle ages, as well as being the successor to two city-kingdoms, Limassol has a proud and often glorious past. Remnants of this past can be found in the castles, museums, convents and archaeological sites that are dotted throughout Limassol and its surrounding areas. Many of these can be visited independently, but tour guides will often be able to bring to life the vivid history of the place in an interesting and dramatic fashion.
Things to See & Do in Limassol
Limassol Castle & Cyprus Medieval Museum
Limassol District Archaeological Museum
Folk Art Museum
Cyprus has a rich folk history, and with it has come some visually stunning Folk Art. This museum showcases much of that Art, and the collection includes national costumers, embroidery and tapestry, presented in a unique fashion. It dates from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and is housed in a beautifully restored old house. The museum is located at 253 Agiou Andreou Street, and the telephone number is: (05) 362 303.
Limassol Time Elevator
Lemesos (Limassol) Municipal Art Gallery
Kolossi Castle
Originally constructed in the 13th century, it was later rebuilt into its current form about 200 hundred years later, in the middle of the 15th century, and is an impressive example of military architecture of the Middle Ages. After the fall of Acre in 1291, it acted as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. For a few years in the 14th century, it came under the control of the Knights Templar.
The ruins of the sugar mill nearby date back to the 14th century. The castle and sugar mill are about 14 kilometres west of Limassol, on the road to Paphos.
Kourion
Kourion is one of the most spectacular of the archaeological sites in Cyprus. On-going excavations on this ancient city-kingdom are still bringing new treasures to light. The grand Greco-Roman Theatre has been fully restored and is used for theatrical and musical performances. Watching one of these can be an awe-inspiring sight. The Theatre was originally built in the 2nd century BC.
Another interesting section is the House of Eustolios, which was originally a private Roman villa. During the early Christian period it became a public recreation centre, and consists of a bath complex and various rooms that feature ornate 5th century mosaic floors. The early Christian basilica is dated to the 5th century. It was probably the Cathedral of Kourion, with a baptistry built on the north face.
More beautiful mosaic floors can be found in both the House of Achilles and House of Gladiators. Another intricate and elegant Roman structure is the Nymphaeum, which is dedicated to water nymphs. About 1km to the west, on the road to Paphos, stands the Stadium, which has been dated to the 2nd century AD.
The main part of the complex lies about 19 kilometres west of Limassol, on the road towards Paphos.
Kourion Museum
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
Amathus
Amathus is another of the city-kingdoms that Limassol succeeded. According to ancient mythology, Amathus was where Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne, so that she would be looked after following his battle with the Minotaur. This is also the city where an important Aphrodite-Astarte cult flourished.
The ruins and remains date from the Archaic, Roman and Christian periods in Cyprus' history. Extensive excavations have revealed parts of the upper and lower city, as well as sections of the Agora and Acropolis areas. To visit Amathus, head 11 kilometres east of Limassol town centre. It is close to the Amathus Hotel.
