- What attractions to visit in Limassol
- Popular entertainment
- At the crossroads
Cyprus has long become the second home for many tourists from Russia, those who come to the island for the first time on vacation and want to do everything, need to choose some central resort. Then there will be no questions, such as what to visit in Limassol, since the city itself is rich in sights, and in its immediate surroundings there are many monuments worth visiting.
Limassol is a Cypriot resort that operates all year round, even in winter. True, the main entertainment in the cold season is associated with visiting local restaurants, cafes and walking around the city. In the summertime, the range of cultural offerings is incomparably larger.
What attractions to visit in Limassol
The sunny resort town is geared towards tourists who come to relax on the coast, enjoy sea baths, beach activities and stunning natural landscapes. Although there are several places in Limassol that will interest history buffs, the list of historical monuments includes:
- a medieval castle with a museum located in it;
- ruins left over from the pre-existing city of Limosso;
- the monastery complex of St. George Alamanu.
Limassol Castle was at the center of all the important events that took place in the city. The most significant event that took place in this ancient architectural structure is the wedding of the famous historical character, King Richard the Lionheart. In addition to the army of this ruler, the city saw the Templars, representatives of the Lusignan dynasty, withstood the long sieges of the Genoese and Egyptian Mamluks.
The architectural complex was destroyed in the earthquake of 1491, but then rebuilt, served as a castle and a prison. Today he has a very honorable mission - the castle houses the Limassol Museum, on its territory you can also see artifacts, witnesses of the amazing events of the past.
Among the valuable exhibits there is a press, with the help of which olive oil was previously extracted; the exposition presents ceramics from Italy, armor and weapons of medieval knights, objects related to the time of the Ottoman Empire. There is an opportunity to climb to the observation deck, from where the whole of Limassol is as if in the palm of your hand.
Popular entertainment
Water parks are the very first answer to the question of what to visit in Limassol on your own. In such places, a guide is not required, the rules of behavior on the rides are learned in the blink of an eye, time flies unnoticed, leaving vivid impressions and gorgeous photos.
One of the water parks in Limassol is located in the center of a citrus grove, therefore, on the one hand, visitors can ride dizzying slides and attractions, on the other hand, admire the beautiful natural scenery. For lovers of a relaxing holiday, water parks also have their own places - for example, swimming pools with heated sea water.
At the crossroads
The name "Limassol" is translated very simply - "middle city", such a place name was formed, since the resort is located between two very ancient cities, Amathus and Kourion. That is why the most curious tourists do not limit themselves to sightseeing in Limassol, but go in search of historical monuments located in the vicinity.
Amathus is most often visited by tourists who rest in Limassol, as it is located only 8 kilometers from the resort. This is an antique city-state that has crossed its millennium line. It is clear that only ruins remain from him, you can see them yourself, but if you invite a guide, he will tell and show where the ancient acropolis was located, how the water supply system was built, where the baths were, and where are the early Christian basilicas.
Most of the artifacts found here have long since migrated to museums in Cyprus, including Limassol. But walks through the ruins, especially in the evening, are filled with romance, contributing to immersion in the heroic past of the island.
Another ancient city located near Limassol is Kourion, its main attraction is the Temple of Apollo of Hilates. This deity was the patron saint of the city; it was also believed that forests and the animals living in them were under his protection.
Unfortunately, only ruins remained from this ancient temple, part of the temple altar, a number of steps that led the temple, have survived. During the existence of the temple, only the priest had the right to touch it, all others who violated this prohibition were punished with death. Today everyone can touch the altar, the ruins and history.
You can go for a walk in the surroundings, where the remains of the baths, halls for pilgrims who arrived at the Temple of Apollo of Hilates, arena, where various competitions were held in honor of this deity, have been preserved.
