9 Cultural & Historical Sites to Visit in Limassol

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Limassol has plenty of offer for the culturally and historically inclined. Beyond frequent musical concerts, art exhibitions and community events in the city, Limassol is also home to various sites of cultural importance. The list below features our top 9 cultural and historical locations not to be missed while visiting Limassol.

1. Limassol Old Town

Make sure to take the time to explore the narrow streets of Limassol’s old town and discover ​its rich history. With many unique, local stores and merchants, it’s the perfect place to do some shopping while soaking in the culture of this Mediterranean seaside town.

2. Limassol Castle

The medieval Limassol Castle is situated near the old harbour, in the heart of the historical centre of Limassol. The castle, as it appears today, is an old fortress structure rebuilt circa 1590 under the period of Ottoman rule. Inside you will be able to explore an archaeological exhibition of artefacts from various empires visiting the island over the ages.

3. Amathous Ruins

On the east side of Limassol, you will find a large archaeological site which has now become a popular attraction for visitors. Located just 11km from the city centre, the site is considered one of the most important historical sites on the island, featuring ancient temples and tombs dating back to 1100BC.  

4. Ancient Kourion

The archaeological remains of Kourion – once one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity – are amongst the most impressive sites on the island, and excavations have unearthed many significant finds here. A year-round exhibition is set up, making viewing the artefacts and digs easy and enjoyable. The site includes the famous Kourion amphitheatre, constructed in the 2nd century BC and still operating today!

5. Archeological Museum Limassol

The Lemesos (Limassol) District Archaeological Museum houses a rich and notable collection of antiquities from the Neolithic age to the Roman period, originating from excavations at various archaeological sites in the Lemesos region. It is also part of the Aphrodite Cultural Route.

6. Kolossi Castle

Kolossi castle was originally built in the 13th century, and then rebuilt to its present form in the 15th century. After the Fall of Acre in 1291, it served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and in the 14th century came under the domain of the Knights Templar.

7. Choirokoitia Neolithic Settlement

Chirokitia is an archaeological site on the island of Cyprus dating from the Neolithic age. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1998. The site is known as one of the most important and best-preserved prehistoric sites of the eastern Mediterranean.

8. Ayia Napa Cathedral

The Ayia Napa Cathedral is an important piece of Limassol’s contemporary history, and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Napa means forest in Latin. The impressive temple of Ayia Napa, featuring elements of the architectural style of eclecticism and influences from the design of the Chrysospiliotissa church in Athens, is now a landmark that attracts the attention of locals and visitors in Limassol.

9. Carob Mill Museum

The museum features a large collection of tools and machinery once used for the processing of carob which was a big export of Limassol, and adored locally by its inhabitants. The produce was referred to as “black gold” because of its great value. The warehouse and mill have been restored to their original form.

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