Limassol is the
second-largest city in Cyprus and is the island’s main industrial
centre and port. It is also the focus of Cyprus’ wine
industry. During September, the town holds a wine festival,
at which wine and food are served free of charge. During the pre-Lenten
Carnival, Limassol bursts into
celebration, with bands, gaily decorated floats and dancing.
Limassol is an important tourist destination,
and has beaches like Dassoudi Beach and those at
nearby Germasogeia, backed by cafes and tavernas.
Limassol Castle stands guard over the old harbour
and houses the interesting Cyprus Medieval Museum.
There is also a Folk Art Museum, the Limassol
District Archaeological Museum and, in the Municipal
Gardens and zoo.
Excursions
There are several places of historical and archaeological interest
around the city. Amathus, located just outside
the city to the east, was once the capital of a city-kingdom, but
is now in ruins and partly covered by the sea.
The Acropolis, Necropolis and the remains of an
early Christian basilica can be seen, and excavation continues in
the lower part of the ancient city.
To the east lies Agios Georgios Alamanos Convent
and the black sands of Governor’s Beach.
West of Limassol, at Fassouri, are extensive citrus
orchards and the Water Mania leisure park. Close
by Kolossi Castle was the headquarters of the Crusader
Knights of St John of Jerusalem.
The ancient city of Kourion, on a steep hillside
near Episkopi, has a superbly sited Graeco-Roman theatre
where concerts and Shakespearean plays are performed in summer.
Kourion contains other interesting sites, including:
 The House of Eustolios, which has beautiful mosaics
The Acropolis, the ruins of the Roman-era forum
The Christian Basilica and public buildings.
Beyond Kourion to the west are the city’s stadium and the
Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis. All of these sites
lie within the Akrotiri-Episkopi British Sovereign Base Area.
South of Limassol, on the Akrotiri Peninsula (and
also inside the British military base), Lady’s Mile
Beach is a long stretch of sand. Nearby Akrotiri
Salt Lake (dry during the summer) is a winter home to thousands
of flamingos; on its southern shore stands the Agios Nikolaos
ton Gaton Convent. |
