Cyprus, Limassol

Limassol is the largest coastal city of Cyprus. It's an important seaport, industrial, tourist, international company and port of registry centre with fascinating history and an ideal residential area due the wide range of options, like near the seaside, near the city, away from the city and even near the mountainous region.

Limassol has been described as a city for all seasons and all reasons as it boasts many sandy beaches, five star hotels, shops and restaurants.

History

The town of Limassol is situated between the ancient towns of Amathus and Curium. The English King Richard the Lionheart destroyed Amathus in 1191. Limassol was probably built after Amathus had been ruined. However, the town of Limassol was inhabited since the very old times.

During pre-Christian times it was a small anonymous settlement, the inhabitants of which were occupied mainly in stock-raising and fishing. During the Early Byzantine period, Limassol was named Neapolis and Theodosia. After the destruction of Amathus in the 12th century, the name Neapolis came to be used.

In 1191, during the Third Crusade, Richard the Lion heart of England arrived in Limassol and celebrated his marriage to Berengaria of Navarre in the castle of Limassol.

Amathus was destroyed after the defeat of Isaac Komninos's army by Richard, and Limassol embarked upon a new era. During the Frankish period, the town flourished and then entered into decline.

The settling down of merchants in Cyprus and particularly in Lemesos (Limassol) in the 13th century led to the financial welfare of its inhabitants. Its harbor as a center of transportation and commerce, contributed greatly to the financial and cultural development.

There was explosive growth in all sectors, as the town became the most important tourist and commercial centre of Cyprus and the largest harbour on the island.

Geography & Demographics

Limassol city is located in the southern part of Cyprus. The city emerged from two of the most important ancient city-kingdoms, Kourion to the west and Amathus to the east of the city. Both of these ancient city-kingdoms are currently undergoing extensive excavations. The Troodos Mountains act as a magnificent backdrop which spreads for miles along the coast.

Lemesos is today the island's second city with a population of 200,000 the most important tourist and commercial centre and the biggest port.

Economy

The Limassol Chamber was established, in its current form, in 1962 and since then has played a leading role in the economic development of the district of Limassol. Currently, there are over 750 members (600 local and 150 International companies) registered with the Limassol Chamber.

Limassol has two industrial estates as well as a third one on the way, expected to be operational by the end of 1999, which are housing the local light industry.

The modern economic development of the city started at the beginning of the twentieth century with the creation of what it's called the traditional industry of the area, the wine and spirit industry.

Culture

Limassol is the "city of fun" as it's called in Cyprus and it is the home of the world famous wine festival, a ten-day event in September, where you can mingle with the crowds in the beautifully decorated Municipal Gardens to sample our wines which flow freely during the event. It very much has its own identity and culture and Limassolians are most proud of their city.

Limassol has many amenities such as gardens, theatres, cinemas and a thriving nightlife. It is also home to ten miles of beautiful beaches, and is the main industrial port for the island. Limassol is very much a working town, which means there is something happening all year round.

Sports

Being a city next to the sea, it is naturally expected that Limassol offers a lot of sporting, water sports and leisure activities.

Apollon Limassol and AEL FC are the two major sport clubs in Limassol, which have football, basketball and volleyball teams. AEL has the records of the most trophies in totally all the sports together.

Limassol is a city that has a sports and leisure activity for every taste.

Transportation

There is a four lane motorway connecting Limassol to Nicosia, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Paphos.

Lanarca International airport is about 40 kilometers away from Limassol but it is quite convenient to catch a taxi to the city.

Public transport in Limassol is good with many local buses running frequently and it would be best to hire a car to get to these areas where most of the tourist sites are found.