Limassol, Cyprus Hotels and City Guide

Limassol - Attractions

Sanctuary of Apollon Hylates

In ancient times the locals worshipped Apollo as God of the Woodlands. Some parts of this important temple are still standing, located 3 km (2 miles) from Kourion.

The Archaeological Museum

Cypriots have been using tools to make works of art for over nine thousand years, and this museum holds many of their most interesting products. Artefacts on show range from crude Stone Age hammers, through Archaic and Classical sculptures to the sophisticated products of seventh century Byzantine artistry.

Time Off

Sunlight hours in Limassol can really mean that: this lucky city basks in hot sun for much of the year. Cafes and restaurants will often have outdoor seating and the old town has a certain charm, but most visitors find themselves a spot on one of the island's beaches, or go walking in the nearby mountains. Local museums hold collections of arts and crafts, and nearby archaeological sites are (mostly) beautiful as well as ancient.

When the moon is shining cafes and restaurants compete for strollers' custom; local nightclubs promote a lively scene; and a little distance away theatre groups perform at the theatre of Kourion.

Kolossi Castle

Located 14 km (9 miles) from the city this medieval castle stands tall, dominating a landscape of citrus orchards. It was constructed by a crusading order of knights, the Hospitallers or Order of St John of Jerusalem.

Troodos Mountains

High enough to be snow-covered in winter these mountains make a dramatic backdrop for the city of Limassol. Scented pine forests grow on their rocky slopes and lower down the hill vines and wild flowers flourish. Grapes from here, and wine made in local villages, have helped Limassol establish itself as the principal wine-town of Cyprus. Nine nearby churches have been commended by the United Nations for their Byzantine and post-Byzantine architecture and art. Located roughly 40 km (25 miles) from the city.

Limassol Castle

The Ottoman Turks built most of today's castle; they used a site previously fortified by Byzantines, Frankish Kings, and Venetians. It houses the Medieval Museum (see above). The English King Richard the Lionheart married Princess Berengaria of Navarre on this site in 1191, whilst occupying the city (and the island) as part of a crusade.

Kourion

Located 19 km (11 miles) from Limassol, the ancient (and now abandoned) city of Kourion is best known for its magnificent, semi-circular, open-air theatre. Drama groups stage engaging productions here in high season. Other local structures that may catch the eye of the visitor include a Roman villa, colourful mosaics and an early Christian church.

The Medieval Museum

Based in Limassol castle, the medieval museum picks up where the archaeological museum leaves off, showing something of the patchwork history of Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman (Turkish) domination of the island.

Amathous

Some small parts of the ancient city still remain, located 11 km (8 miles) from Limassol. The Louvre museum of Paris, France, holds its most famous relic, a giant limestone jar. Many of the original stones of Amathous were taken to Egypt for the building of the Suez Canal.

The Folk Art Museum

Folk arts are a rich and vital part of Cypriot tradition. Hand made costumes from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are the star exhibits of this museum.

Hotels in Limassol, Cyprus