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Limassol

Cyprus · Europe

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City in Cyprus

About Limassol

Limassol, also known as Lemesos, is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus. Limassol is the most populated municipality in Cyprus, with a population of 108,105 and is the second-largest urban area in Cyprus, after Nicosia, with an urban population of 198,558. It is the capital of the Limassol District with a population of 262,238.

Etymology

The name "Limassol" derives from the ancient Greek word "Nemesos" (Greek: Νέμεσσος, romanized: Nemessos), meaning "one found in the middle". This likely refers to the city's location between the ancient towns of Amathus and Kourion. Over time, the name evolved into "Lemesos", which is known in English as "Limassol".

History

Limassol is situated between the ancient city-kingdoms of Amathus, founded around 1100 BC by Greek settlers, and Kourion, founded around the same time. Settlements in the modern area of Limassol were most likely founded after the decline and destruction of Amathus, around the 7th century AD. The area around Limassol shows evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period (around 7000 BC). Sites like Khirokitia indicate the presence of early farming communities in the area. During the Bronze Age, the region saw the development of more complex societies, with evidence of trade and cultural exchanges with neighbouring regions. Ancient writers and geographers do not mention the foundation of the town. …

Geography

The Limassol urban area includes the Limassol Municipality and the municipalities of Kato Polemidia, Mesa Geitonia, Agios Athanasios, Germasogeia, and Ypsonas. For administrative purposes, the municipalities of Limassol are divided into quarters, with the exception of Ypsonas. Limassol has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification: Csa), closely bordering a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSh), with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters, which are separated by short springs and autumns which are generally warm and sunny. From December to March, the weather is unsettled and can be rainy and windy. Sunshine averages around 6 hours a day. …

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Limassol hosts several major festivals in Cyprus, including the Carnival and Wine Festival. The Limassol Carnival, a ten-day event filled with masquerades, has ancient roots tracing back to pagan rituals. It has evolved into a purely entertaining spectacle with widespread popularity. The festivities kick off with the entrance parade of the King (or Queen) Carnival, followed by a children's fancy-dress competition. The Grand Carnival parade on Makariou Avenue attracts large crowds from across the island, who come to watch the floats, serenades, and various masqueraded groups. Each night, numerous hotels host fancy-dress balls and parties. In early October, the Wine Festival of Cyprus takes place in the Limassol Public Gardens, running every evening from 08:00 to 23:00. During this festival, visitors can sample some of the finest Cypriot wines free of charge. …

Economy

Tourism in Limassol began to flourish after 1974, following the occupation of Famagusta and Kyrenia –the principal tourist resorts of Cyprus– during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Limassol has many beaches, suitable for sunbathing and swimming. A bathing beach with all the necessary facilities, provided by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, operates in the Dasoudi area. In 1974, the Port of Limassol became the Republic of Cyprus's main seaport. Prior to that, the role had been filled by the port of Famagusta, now located in the largely unrecognised Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Limassol is home to many of Cyprus's wine companies, which cater to the wine-growing regions on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, including Commandaria. Companies such as KEO, LOEL, SODAP, and ETKO produce award-winning wines and brandies (cognacs) in international exhibitions. …

Landmarks

Amathus is an ancient city-kingdom, located about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) east of Limassol, dating back to 1100 BC, with a rich history with various influences by various civilisations. The most notable ruin is considered to be the Temple of Aphrodite, a major centre of worship and a sacred place for ceremonies and offerings, sitting atop the Acropolis of Amathus. Many tombs dating to the Iron Age are present, as well as remnants of public baths and other buildings in the ancient agora. A large limestone amphora, now housed in the Louvre, was found in Amathus. This vase dates back to the 6th century BC and weighs 14 tonnes (14,000 kg). Kourion is another ancient city-kingdom, situated approx. 19 kilometres (12 mi) west of Limassol, with a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period, with significant developments during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian periods. …