Limassol Key Attractions

Situated in the south of the island of Cyprus, Limassol is the main industrial and maritime area, and also a popular tourist destination during the summer months. The city is much older than you might first think; Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England here in the 12th century. The historical castle is undoubtedly the main attraction in Limassol, but there are many other interesting sights worth seeing. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, aided by the fact that it is the centre of wine making on the island. There are some good beaches on the outskirts of the city, although most of these belong to hotels and charge an entrance fee for non-guests.

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.

Folk Art Museum

This fine collection of Cypriot folk art from the 19th and early 20th centuries is exhibited in a beautifully preserved old house. It includes traditional costumes, farm and household tools, and a variety of local handicrafts arranged in interesting displays. The museum was established in 1985 and won the Europa Nostra Award in 1989 due to its hundreds of handmade exhibits that protect and enhance the cultural heritage of Cyprus.

Limassol District Archaeological Museum

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.

Limassol Sculpture Park

The sculpture park is located on the waterfront and is the only one of its type in Cyprus. It features a variety of sculptures created during three international events from 1999 to 2001. Many of them are of medium to large scale objects, with the most notable having been created by Victor Bonato, George Tsaras and the Limassolian artist, Helene Black.

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.