Limassol City & it’s Landmarks
While exploring Limassol, the inspiring culture, romantic sunsets, golden-brown coastline as well as shimmering blue sea and vivid history cast a spell on everyone. In Limassol you will find historical sites that will charm you, a rich cultural heritage that will impress you and friendly locals that will make sure your holidays remain unforgettable. Limassol is a city which perfectly marries the past and the present. Let’s take a look at some of the most famed landmarks in Limassol!
The towering Limassol Castle was built by the Lusignans above the site of an older Byzantine fort. With the passage of time, the castle fell in the hands of numerous conquerors such as the Venetians, British and Ottomans, who remodelled and strengthened its structure accordingly. Today, the Castle of Limassol remains as one of the city’s most impressive landmarks, attracting sightseers all through the year as it is home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum which showcases an impressive collection of Byzantine pottery, icons and silverware as well as Lusignan armour.
The Municipal Gardens of Limassol boasts with towering trees, bushes and shrubs as well as blossoming flowerbeds, providing the perfect spot for a breather in the busy and crowded centre of the city. The popular Limassol Wine Festival is held every September within the gardens. The special event provides the perfect excuse for those looking to taste Cyprus wines and participate in local customs and traditions. The gardens are also home to a mini zoo, perfect for a family outing.
The Old Market Streets are the oldest part of the city, found around the Limassol Castle and Turkish mosque. The maze-like alleys attract visitors to explore and stumble upon its fascinating buildings, traditional stalls and shops selling Cypriot crafts, seafood as well as farm produce. Visitors who seek to soak in the Cyprus tradition and culture are in the right place. The area has been converted into a cosmopolitan hotspot, overflowing with trendy and artistic bars and cafes.
The city’s old Carob Mill is found in Limassol’s old city. the Carob Mills is actually a group of old buildings, found behind Limassol’s Castle, which have been remodelled and turned into modern cafes, trendy bars, and restaurants serving delicious dishes. You will also come across a microbrewery and exhibition area where traditional tools and machinery used in the mill are displayed. The Carob Mill complex has become a cultural spot in the city, promoting Limassol’s cosmopolitan flair as well as reviving its past traditions and customs.
The Archaeological Museum of Limassol is made for history buffs! The museum showcases an insightful collection of artefacts dating all the way back from the Bronze Age, Roman era and Classical Period. Some of the most fascinating artefacts include pottery, terracotta statuettes, votive offerings as well as ancient jewellery.
The Agia Napa Cathedral overshadows the Limassol’s Old Town with its tall and dominating dome and towers. The grandiose-like cathedral is a fine example of Christian Orthodox architecture. The cathedral was built towards the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, over the site of an older church.
The Municipal Folk Art Museum of Limassol is set in an ancient merchant’s mansion. The architectural-style of the mansion alone is worth anyone’s visit. The large and insightful collection exhibited at the museum transports visitors to the past as the artefacts narrate how the Cypriots used to live in the old days. Within the collection, visitors will find farm tools, traditional garments, ancient furnishings, old kitchen and household utensils. It is truly an amazing and teleporting experience through times.
Limassol’s Cami Kabir is in fact the city’s largest Turkish mosque and one of the most imposing landmarks. The mosque is symbolic of the time when the Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots lived peacefully together on the island. Currently, it is used by the few Turkish-Cypriots who have remained in the city and is visited by holidaymakers every day.
Explore Limassol and stay at the 5 star hotel The Royal Apollonia.