Things to do :: Interesting Sites :: Limassol

Limassol , the successor to two ancient city-kingdoms, is often referred to as the venue of a royal wedding in the Middle ages.

Apart from being the second largest town after the capital Nicosia, Limassol is the island`s main seaport and a major business and trade centre in the Mediterranean Region. At the same time long sandy beaches are responsible for its popularity as a bustling summer resort. The string of 5-star hotels along the coast offer high standart accommodation, business services and resort facilities all in one.

With rolling vineyards covering the hills just outside the city, Limassol is home to the island`s main wineries, which add yet another facet to the complex role and potential of the town.

City Higlight
City of Merriment
Spend more than a few days in Limassol and you will experience what everyone knows: that this is the island`s city of merriment, with a population that always ready to party! In fact, every season comes with a firm set of celebrations. Carnaval time sees the island`s most extravagant parade. Spring starts with Easter and gives the signal and gives the signal for the colourful flower festival. By summer, the coast is transformed into one big beach party, and there is nothing like the island`s wine festival in September, which attracts thousands of local and visiting guests. Like elsewhere, only more, the party calendar ends with lavish Christmas and New Year festivities.

Kourion

This is one of the most magnificent archaeological sites on the island, where on-going excavations are still discovering new treasures. The stunning Greco-Roman theatre was originally built in the 2nd century AD and is now used for musical and theatrical performances after having been carefully restored. The House of Eustolios consists of a number of rooms with 5th century mosaic floors and a complex of baths. The early Christian basilica also dates back to the 5th century and was probably the Cathedral of Kourion.

Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates

Apollo Hylates was the protector of the city of Kourion and was worshiped at the sanctuary from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. It was then destroyed by an earthquake and abandoned. The carefully restored southwest side of the temple has magnificent columns, while excavations have also revealed a bath complex, a palestra (for practising wrestling), the pilgrim halls and a precinct.

Amathus

These beautiful archaeological treasures are built high on the coastal cliffs with a wonderful view over the sea. Amathus is one of the biggest ancient kingdoms on

the island, and according to legend, this is where Theseus abandoned the pregnant Ariadne after his battle with the Minotaur. The historical remains can be traced back at least 3,000 years. Excavations have revealed parts of the Acropolis and Agora areas as well as a temple which was used to worship Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love.

Limassol Castle

Built in the 14th century, Limassol Castle stands sentinel over the old harbour on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. The castle was built by the Order of St John of Jerusalem and then restored by the British in 1933. You get to it by crossing a short drawbridge, which in ancient times was defended from above by guards who would pour boiling oil onto the heads of invaders. A spiral staircase leads up to the roof and the restored battlements. The castle houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, which

contains numerous antiquities such as interesting statues and pottery finds from the Pre-neolithic to the late Roman period.

Museums:

Limassol District Archaeological Museum
Address: Near old port
Tel.: 00357-25330419
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9-17; Sunday 10-13
This museum was founded in 1948 and originally housed in part of Limassol Castle. Following the conflicts in 1964, it was closed down and subsequently moved to the National Guard. The museum contains antiquities found in the Limassol area from the Neolithic Age to the Roman period. Exhibitions include a large number of stone axes, knives and arrow heads, tools and various fragments recovered from Amathous and other sites. Coins and jewels of different periods are also on display.

tel: 25 30 51 57

Municipal Folk Art Museum
Address: Agiou Andreou 253
Tel.: 25 36 23 03
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30-13:30; Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 15-17:30
(June-September 16-18:30)
A beautiful collection of Cyprus Folk Art of 19th and early 20th century is exhibited in a restored old house.

Kourion Archeological Museum
Address: 14 km west of Lemesos, 4 km before Kourion Site, at Episkopi village
Tel.: 25 43 00 08
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9-14:30
Largest collection of icons on the island, covering the period from 9th to 18th century AD. The Art Galleries contain oil paintings, maps and lithographs.

Churches

Agia Anastasia Church
Pano Polemidia
This is a complex of two churches. The surviving murals date back to the 14th-15th century

Panagia tis Amasgou Church
Kourris valley, about 20 min from Limassol.
The vaulted church of the Monastery of Panagia tis Amasgou dates back to the 12th century and is covered by a second roof made of wood and tiles. The church retaines 12th, 14th and 16th century wall paintings. The monastery now is run as a convent.

Cultural Centres and Art Galleries
Limassol Municipal Art Gallery
103, 28th Oktovriou, tel: 25 58 62 12
The art gallery houses a representative paintings by well-known contemporary Cypriot artists.

Entertainment and Amusement Parks:

Fasouri Watermania Waterpark

It is the ideal place for families, friends and children to spend a one-day outing, away from work troubles and paper loads. At Fasouri Watermania Waterpark we

want you to enjoy being entertained in a safe, fun and relaxing environment. Get away from the hassle and bustle of the crowded city and join us for a unique thrilling experience. The Waterpark packs an impressive array of attractions, facilities and services. Dressed in a Polynesian theme, the Waterpark gives a tropical feel to your experience.
Open every day 10:00 - 18:00

tel: 25 71 42 35