Cyprus gives its inhabitants and guests one very important quality, which then comes in handy in life - the ability to independently see the unique in small things, to distinguish the unique in inconspicuous details.
And although the Eastern Mediterranean island cannot boast of impressive castles where ghosts live in the far corners, giant medieval cathedrals in which stones remember ancient kings, or large-scale ancient ruins that have risen from the ground, there is something equally important on the island: its own characteristic vibe, which you need to learn to feel in the sights that have come down to our days.
Today we will walk through the streets of Limassol, go to nearby villages, spend time on the shores of artificial lakes and listen to the bustling silence of temples. Here is a list of 15+2 attractions that this beautiful city of Cyprus is famous for.
Amathus
Today, an archaeological park is located on the site where the ancient city of Amathus was located in ancient times. Why is it interesting? This is the ruins of one of the most important poleis of Cyprus, which in ancient times was an important port and center of the cult of Aphrodite.
The city was divided into two parts.
The first was on the seashore, near the port, and was the center of public life (here you can see the ruins of the agora). The second part, at the top of the hill, was religious. There was a temple of Aphrodite, the foundation of which can still be viewed. At the temple, there were two huge bowls for ritual ablutions made of solid stone. One of them was safely taken to the Louvre by French archaeologists in 1866, the other collapsed. A modern replica of the chalice now stands on top of a hill, near the ruins of a pagan temple.
From here, by the way, there is a stunning view of Limassol, the sea and the mountains. Both parts of Amathus have become interesting sights. The lower part has preserved the remains of the forum and residential buildings, the upper part, which must be climbed up the hill, is the ruins of a pagan and Christian temple.
And Amathus also has an underwater part, which is not yet open to guests and residents of Cyprus, but will become available to divers very soon. They will be able to dive under the water and see the ruins of the ancient port, which was once part of the city of Amathus, but gradually, for natural reasons, was flooded. Local authorities promise to make platforms here that will help you admire the "Atlantis of Cyprus" without sinking to the bottom of the sea.
Opening hours
- during the summer season (from April 16 to September 15): 08:30-19:30,
- in the winter season (from September 16 to April 15): 08:30-17:00.
Finds from Amathus (and not only from there) are stored in the Archaeological Museum of the Limassol region.
Opening hours
- Monday-Friday: 08:00-16:00.
Curium
Another pearl of the ancient world, well preserved to this day, is the ancient city of Curium (Kourion). In antiquity, there were nine city-kingdoms in Cyprus, and Curium was one of them. According to legend, it was founded by immigrants from Mycenaean Greece who reached Cyprus in the XII century BC.
Although there is no direct confirmation of this version, a necropolis dating from the XI century BC was actually found in Curium, which serves as indirect proof of the legend of the Mycenaean colonizers. For the first time, the ruins of the polis were discovered in the 1820s, and in the coming decades after that, the ancient city was invaded by "tomb robbers", because of which many finds were lost forever or were bought by museums in other countries. Since 1895, the place was taken under protection by the British, who then ruled Cyprus, specialists from the British Museum came here. They initiated a systematic study of this place.
For more than a hundred years, many interesting sights have been found in Curium: the ancient theater, which was restored and began to be used for events, the forum, baths, the Byzantine basilica. But the most interesting thing is, of course, mosaics. The largest number has been preserved in the so-called Eustolia Villa, a completely unique attraction. It was a large private building, which its owner converted for public use, decorated with mosaic images and commemorative inscriptions.
The city is built on a limestone rock with a height of 100 meters (the ancients knew how to choose a place of residence), from here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea. In the evenings, when performances or performances take place in the ancient theater, the boundless sea and the starry sky over Cyprus serve as a natural background for them.
Working hours
- in the summer season (from April 16 to September 15): from 08:30 to 19:30,
- in the winter season (from September 16 to April 15): from 08:30 to 17:00.
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
Near the archaeological park of Curium is one of the most important ancient sanctuaries of the island, which in ancient times attracted crowds of pilgrims. This is the temple of Apollo Hylates.
The fact is that the gods of Olympus often received nicknames indicating their "specialty". The word Hylates is a Russian transcribed Greek word "hulates" (ὑλάτης) ― connected to forest (from the word "hule" (ὕλη) ― "forest, wood").
That is, the locals considered Apollo the patron saint of forests, hence the nickname. It was possible to get here through two gates, Curium and Paphos gates. There was a sacred path leading to the main sanctuary. Near it, archaeologists discovered a circular platform that was used for ritual dances. The ruins of Roman baths and a palaestra (gym) have also been preserved on a large territory of the temple complex. The sanctuary fell into disrepair at the end of the IV century A.D. both due to the catastrophic earthquakes that shook the island and due to the spread of Christianity.
Working hours
- in the summer season (from April 16 to September 15): from 08:30 to 19:30,
- in the winter season (from September 16 to April 15): from 08:30 to 17:00.
Castle and Museum of the Middle Ages
A medieval castle is located in the historical center of the city. Unfortunately, it does not strongly resemble the castles of Bavaria or France, which is why an unprepared tourist, most likely will not even realize that this is the castle, the main attraction of Limassol.
It was located at this place since Byzantine times, although the first mention was found only in a manuscript of 1228. The castle acquired its current appearance under the Turks, in 1590. They rebuilt it into a prison, including parts of older buildings in the plan of the new building.
There is a Museum of the Middle Ages inside the castle. The small halls of the museum, by the way, were converted from prison cells that were used for their intended purpose until the 1950s (yes, the British also put criminals and violators of public order here before the central prison was built in Nicosia). In the museum you can see real knight's armor and many smaller exhibits, mainly tombstones and ceramics. Visitors also have the opportunity to climb to the roof and explore the area adjacent to the castle from it.
Opening hours
- Monday-Friday: from 08:00 to 17:00,
- Saturday: from 09:00 to 17:00,
- Sunday: from 10:00 to 13:00.
Old Town
The historical center of Limassol leaves a double impression. On the one hand, there is definitely something to see and admire, frozen in amazement, on the other hand, residents of major European capitals may find the old city neglected, inconvenient and disorganized.
And it really is. Many old houses are in a bad condition and are literally falling apart, modernist buildings are stuck between them (this is at best), modern postmodern eclecticism or just something that cannot be classified according to architectural style. Sidewalks, if any, are often narrow and not very convenient. But, as mentioned above, this is the highlight of the city.
The pearls here are hidden under a layer of layers, and the historical center is an excellent example of this. Having completely surrendered to the curving street, you may suddenly find yourself in a tiny mind-blowing quarter (for example, Zig Zag, Genethliou Mitella or Irinis streets), where you will want to photograph literally every corner. Just trust Cyprus, and it will not deceive you.
Grand Mosque or Kebir Cami (Büyük Cami)
Hidden in the streets of Limassol, the mosque carefully preserves its beautiful oriental flavor (according to its level, it can probably compete even with the Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca), and its Moroccan-style windows look straight into the soul of lovers and connoisseurs of architecture.
The monument has an interesting history. In this place in ancient times there was a Byzantine temple, which after the IX century was abandoned and revived only in the XV century by the will of the French kings.
They made it the main cathedral of the Catholic diocese. It was this church that the Ottomans converted into a mosque, but the original building was not irretrievably lost – at the walls of the mosque you can see the foundation of the temple.
The doors of the old town
Walking through the historical center of Limassol, be sure to pay attention to the doors of old houses. They may be of varying degrees of preservation, but they are all absolutely beautiful. Limassol houses are distinguished by a special gate shape inherited from traditional village houses, as well as carved, patterned or curly jambs. These are the doors to a completely different world and a different era. Some of them are carefully preserved and updated, others have acquired a completely unrecognizable appearance, others are slowly dying and being destroyed.
Limassol doors can be divided into two types: with a semicircular finial and rectangular. The jambs are made of stone, and the platbands can often look like columns. At the doors with a semicircular finial, it is often crowned with a decorative keystone. Interestingly, the keystone can also be found on direct lintels.
A light window is often made directly above the door. The doors of the old city are a separate attraction, which may well compete in its fascinating attractiveness with the doors of Zanzibar or Georgetown.
"Skyscrapers"
High-rise construction began in Limassol quite recently. The first permit for the construction of a high-rise complex was issued in 2008, it was Olympic Residence project of 20 floors was received, which has been flaunting on the embankment since the mid-2010s and for a couple of years even proudly bore the title of the tallest building in the city.
Since then, a lot of high-rises have grown like mushrooms after the rain, and if not for the closure of the investment program, soon the whole of Limassol would be studded with buildings with the word Tower in the name. Why are these buildings, very different in their aesthetic merits, can be considered the sights of Limassol?
Firstly, because among them there are really great projects like Sky Tower or Limassol Del Mar (attention! this is a subjective assessment of the author, which he does not impose on anyone). Secondly, because before our eyes there is a change in the appearance of the city, and skyscrapers become engines and tools of this process. Thirdly, because due to the circumstances, skyscrapers will forever remain a monument of a very specific era ― a well-fed and rich "golden age" (or better to say, "the age of golden passports").
They willy-nilly found themselves inscribed in a rather traditional urban landscape, which had previously been dominated by low-rise construction. It didn't work out to make Dubai from Limassol, but it turned out to be something much more interesting – to create your own image of a modern advanced metropolis. So it's definitely worth looking at a couple of high-rises.
Folk Art Museum
The museum opened in 1985 in a historic building donated to the city by the family of Ioannis and Katerina Schiza. The exhibits date back to the XIX and XX centuries and give a good idea of the folk art of the inhabitants of the villages of Cyprus at that time.
The collection of traditional vests is one of the most representative in all of Cyprus. Also here you can see a variety of tools for farming, a giant loom, jewelry, furniture and much more.
Working hours
- weekdays: from 07:30 to 15:00.
The Aristocles Pilavakis Residence
Two beautiful examples of the architecture of Cyprus during the British rule. The Pilavakis family made a fortune in industrial shipping. Aristocles Pilavakis became the founder of the first coaster company on the island and throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.
The city inherited from him a beautiful building in the style of colonial architecture, located at the intersection of Agiu Andreu and Christodoulou Sousou streets. It is a two-storey mansion with a small courtyard and a balcony.
Aristocles' son Antonis Pilavakis, who inherited and multiplied his father's fortune, became famous for a much more pompous structure. In 1919, a little further from the family home, Antonis began construction of a building in a new neoclassical style for Cyprus. Carved stone elements, cupid figures, garlands - all these became recognizable elements of the appearance of the new building, which was worked on by two truly outstanding masters, Édouard Niermans and Zacharias Vondas. The impressive building was completed only by 1934. In 1966, the building was bought from the owners by the municipality, which moved the city library here.
Since then, with a short break for restoration, which took place from 2008 to 2018, the Antonis Pilavakis mansion has served as a temple of knowledge, that is, as a municipal library.
Mansion on the map
Library on the map
Ayia Napa Cathedral
Tourists are usually very surprised that the city has its own Ayia Napa, and even more surprising is that this Ayia Napa has a very indirect relation to nightlife and entertainment. We are talking about a majestic cathedral, made in the style of architectural eclecticism and consecrated in honor of the venerated icon of the Virgin.
It was the icon that indirectly gave the name to the popular resort town in the east of Cyprus, and with it the cathedral. The Ayia Napa Temple impresses with its fundamentality and style, as if by mistake it got mixed up among much more modest historical buildings. Inside it has a very beautiful interior, in which there is nothing superfluous, only light and air with rare inclusions of frescoes. The icon itself, which is revered in this temple, has its own mysterious history associated with the royal house of Lusignan.
Working hours
- daily: from 06:30 to 13:00 and from 16:00 until the end of the evening service.
Villages
While in Limassol, you should definitely see not only the center and monuments on the outskirts of the city, but also go to nearby villages, for example, to Agios Tychonas, Pyrgos, Armenochori or Parekklisia. Although these villages are far from presenting the guests with the appearance of traditional rural life in Cyprus (due to their proximity to the city, they are quite modernized with new-fangled residential complexes and villas of varying degrees of luxury), they have preserved an authentic spirit and, most interestingly, rustic architecture.
Residential two-storey towers, traditional stone houses, tightly fenced off from outsiders, old churches, wooden gates - all this conveys the unique atmosphere of a Cypriot village. Yes, you will have to look for an area with historical buildings, and somewhere it will be quite small in area, yielding the palm to more modern houses, but it's worth looking at, especially since it's not far to go. If you stay for lunch at one of the local taverns, you can taste the life of Cyprus. It will be the taste of fatty fried meat, sour zajiki and semi-sweet homemade wine.
- The historical center of Pyrgos on the map
- Historical center of Parekklisia on the map
- The historical center of Agios Tychonas on the map
- Historical center of Armenochori on the map
Monastery of St. George Alamanou
In 638, a group of monks from the Holy Land, expelled from their monasteries as a result of the Arab invasion, moved to Cyprus. Here they divided into small groups and found places for themselves to continue their ascetic exploits. They entered the history of the island as the "Alaman saints", the word "Alaman" means "German" (after the Germanic tribe of the Alemans, from the same word, for example, the French, Spanish, Arabic and Turkish names of Germany).
This indicates the fact that the monks came from European countries, for the Holy Land of the VII century it was not something unusual. One of the 300 monks was George of Alamanou, who asceticized in the place where the monastery in his honor stands today. Residents and guests of Limassol love to visit this monastery, regardless of their attitude to religion. The place here is so peaceful, and the silence calms the soul so much that even non-believers and non-church people will get an unforgettable experience of concentration, contemplation and meditation ― almost like prayer.
Working hours
- daily: from 09:00 to 18:00.
Omodos
Omodos is part of the Krasohorye region ("wine villages"), from which it becomes obvious that wine is traditionally made here. Indeed, if you want to taste the wines of Cyprus, then Omodos is a great place to do it. You can either buy yourself a couple of bottles in one of the local shops, or stop by the winery itself, taste everything thoroughly and only then choose.
Omodos is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level and 42 km northwest of Limassol. In addition to wine, the village is famous for its zivania (Cypriot moonshine) and arkateno buns made of chickpea flour. There are many interesting tourist places in Omodos.
Within walking distance from each other are: a paved square, traditional village houses, a former monastery of the Holy Cross with ancient icons and a carved iconostasis. Now the monastery as such does not exist (that is, monks do not live here), the premises of the monastery are given over to a museum. Divine services are held in the temple, it is open to pilgrims and tourists daily.
Black Sand
Tourists expecting to see pure white sand and torquoise-colored waters are forced to be disappointed. For such impressions, you need to go to Ayia Napa. Limassol residents are so harsh that they can make do with gray sand.
Having a volcanic origin, gray sand frames the sea almost along the entire coast on which the city is located. Although the beach may subconsciously seem dirty because of this, gray sand does not entail any deviations from the sanitary norm. On the contrary, the bathing water in Cyprus remains one of the cleanest and healthiest in all of Europe.
Kouris Dam
Although it may seem that the only aquatic environment available on the island is the sea, in reality everything is a little different. There are large and small artificial lakes scattered all over the island, built in order to supply the inhabitants of the island with fresh water.
The water collected in the dams provides approximately 83% of consumption, the remaining 17% comes from desalination plants, but they are much inferior in quality and can only be used for irrigation and technical needs. The largest dam on the island is Kouris, it holds 115 million cubic meters of water (this is almost 35% of the total volume of dams in Cyprus, which is 330 million cubic meters). The Kuris reservoir was built for four years, from 1984 to 1988. To create it, it was necessary to flood an entire village - Athalassa, whose inhabitants moved a little higher up the slope. A reminder of these events is the dilapidated church of St. Nicholas, who looks out of the water.
Castle in Kolossi
Another castle can be visited in the village of Kolossi. This is the main stronghold of the Knights of St. John on the island, here their 'headquarters' were located. The castle was first built in this place at the beginning of the XIII century, but it acquired its modern appearance in 1454, after the destruction inflicted on it by the Mamluks.
There is a sugar factory building next to the castle. In the Middle Ages, sugar was one of the most important export products of Cyprus, from here it was supplied throughout Europe. Around the castle at that time there were sugar cane plantations and vineyards. The knights made sweet wine from grapes. Since he was trained in the commandery (headquarters) of the knightly order, it was called the "commandery".
Working hours
- in winter season (from September 16 to April 15): from 08:30 to 17:00,
- in the summer season (from April 16 to September 15): from 08:30 to 19:30.
Have you decided to buy an apartment or a house in Cyprus? Contact DOM! The site offers a huge selection of real estate - residential and commercial. Experienced agency specialists will be happy to help you make the right choice.
See also:
