Limassol Cyprus

During the Crusades, Richard the Lion-Heart, leader of the Third Crusade, landed in Limassol (Lemesos), not incidentally to free a noblewoman held captive by the Byzantine sovereign. The noblewoman? His betrothed, Berengaria of Navarre. In Limassol they married, touching off the most extravagant party the island had ever seen.

Today, the tradition of celebration and hospitality continues in this vibrant seaside town. In February before Lent, masked revellers invade the street with music, parades, and dancing for Carnival. In September, the Wine Festival explodes in the town for a week. And every night people in restaurants, cafés, and nightclubs celebrate events momentous and trivial, from a soccer win to a sudden romance to yet another stunning sunset at day’s end.

Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, which is housed in an old mansion. Walk on ten miles of beautiful beaches, deservedly known as the Cypriot Riviera. Stroll in the sea promenade or visit the lush Municipal Gardens. On the coastal road to the east, just after the luxurious hotels, you will find Amathus, one of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port.

At 14 km west of Limassol lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain not only an imposing tower and surrounding living quarters but also an ancient sugar factory.

Just 19 km west of town, visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, overlooking the blue Mediterranean. And, a bit further on, explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Places of Interest

Kolossi Castle: 14 km west of Lemesos on the road to Pafos. A fine example of military architecture, originally constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in its present form in the middle of the 15th century. It served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. In the 14th century it came under the domain of the Knights Templar. Daily 07:30-17:00

Kourion Museum: 14 km west of Lemesos, 4 km before Kourion site, at Episkopi village. Collection of finds from nearby archaeological sites, exhibited in a beautiful old house. Mon-Fri: 07:30-14:30 Thurs: 15:00-18:00 (except July and August)

Kourion: 19 km west of Lemesos on the road to Pafos. An important ancient city-kingdom and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the island. The magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre was originally built in the 2nd century B.C. and is now used for musical and theatrical performances. The House of Eustolios, originally a private Roman villa, became a public recreation centre during the Early Christian period. The Early Christian basilica dates to the 5th century. The House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators have beautiful mosaic floors, and the Nymphaeum is an elegant Roman structure. The Stadium is dated to the 2nd century A.D.

Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates: 3 km west of Kourion, on the road to Pafos. Apollo Hylates, God of the Woodland, was the protector of the city of Kourion. The cult of Apollo was celebrated here from the 8th century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. Excavations have also revealed other structures of this important sanctuary such as the bath complex, the pilgrim halls, the palaistra and a holy precinct.

Amathus: 11 km east of Lemesos town centre, close to Amathus Hotel. One of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus where, according to mythology, Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne after his battle with the Minotaur. The remains date from the Archaic, Roman and Christian periods.