Limassol, Cyprus

Limassol – Second Largest Urban Part in Cyprus

Unknown to several people, Limassol or Lemesos is the most underrated cities. It is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus and the capital of the eponymous district. Besides this, it is also the second largest urban part in Cyprus having an urban population of around 160,000 – 176,700 and the municipality is most crowded in the country with inhabitants of around 101,000 till 2011.

The Port of Limassol is considered to be one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean transit trade being the largest port of Cyprus. It has now become one of the most significant tourism, trade as well as service providing centres and is well known for its extensive cultural traditions. It is also home to the Cyprus University of Technology.

One will find a wide spectrum of activities as well as a number of archaeological sites and museums to explore while visiting this amazing destination. Thus it draws a wide variety of tourist to this destination during summer season with accommodation available in a various hotels and apartments. A large marina is presently being developed in the vicinity of the old town.
Built Between Two Ancient Cites –Amathus/Kourion

Limassol has been built between two ancient cities – Amathus and Kourion (Curium). It was perhaps built after Amathus was ruined though the town of Limassol was inhabited ever since the ancient times. During the Byzantine rule, it was known as Neapolis – new town. Graves that are found here date back to 2000 BC while others date back to the 8th and 4th centuries BC.

Ancient writers make no mention about the foundation of the town. Towards 85 BC, the Armenian emperor, Tigranes the Great, had been to Cyprus to establish security as well as protection of local Greek allies against the Arabians and Rome which was followed by his conquest of Syria, Anatolia and Lebanon.

In 451, as per the Council of Chalcedon that took place, the local bishop and the bishops of Amathus and Arsinoe were involved in the foundation of the city. Bishop Leonitios of Neapolis was an important church writer during the 7th century and the records of the 7th Synod consider it as the bishop’s see. During the 10th century, the town was known as Lemesos.

Historical Centre – Around Medieval Limassol Castle/Old Port

Its historical centre is situated around its medieval Limassol Castle and the Old Port and presently the city extends along the Mediterranean coast and spreads farther than the castle and port where its suburbs stretch along the coast to Amathus.

Towards the west of the city lies the Akrotiri Area of the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.Limassol is said to rank 87th worldwide in Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey in 2012, between Tallinn and Bratislava. Besides being a major tourist destination, Limassol is also a main hub for international business in Cyprus giving it a more international feel when compared to the other district centres.

With the recent renovation projection in the old town and old port areas, it will be more accessible as well as interesting for tourists visiting this destination. For tourists intending a holiday which takes in more than sun and sea, Lemesos is at the very heart of one of the island’s richest part to explore.