The beautiful city of Limassol. It is not famous as a beach town, but it is still attractive for tourists. We would say that Limassol is the most modern city on the island and walking around Limassol is a pleasure.
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Basic information about Limassol
The city is located in the southernmost part of Cyprus between Paphos and Larnaca. It is also considered the southernmost city in Europe. In general, the location of the city is very good, as it is located between two airports and also not far from Nicosia, as if in the center of everything.
Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus. Its population is 235 thousand. Of these, 70% are Greek Cypriots.
Well, there are also many Russian speakers here, approximately 20%. And this is one of the favorite places for tourists from Russia and Ukraine. So beloved that the inhabitants of Limassol opened a couple of establishments with Russian and Ukrainian cuisine. We have been to one of them. We tried their borsch with sour cream and lavash instead of buns. We can say that it was delicious, but in Ukraine, we ate tastier :).
Limassol is called the business center of Cyprus, as all-important meetings and events take place here.
But do not think that this is a boring city and it is only for businessmen, or for those who come to the island to work. This is the same party city as Ayia Napa, for example. The difference is that many parties don’t take place on the beach. Since the beaches here are certainly interesting, but not as beautiful as in Protaras or Ayia Napa.
History of the name of the city
Well, let’s talk about the name Limassol. The inhabitants of this city did not immediately begin to call it Limassol. So far, there have been different options. The very first name was Nemesis. They named it in honor of the temple of the goddess Nimesida.
For the general development of Nemesis (Nemesis, Νέμεσις) in Greek means “retribution”. Nemesis is a winged goddess in ancient Greek mythology who punishes people who disturb peace and order.
Let’s go back to the history of the city’s name.
Further, the city began to be called Nemesos.
Over time, since there were many lakes around the city, the name Nemesis evolved into Limnissos – the word “limni” was added to Nemesis, which means lake in Greek. Then the name began to change again and turned into Lemessos and Limassol.
There is also a theory that the name of the city came about somehow at the merger of two cities.
If you look at road signs in Cyprus, then there will be the name Lemessos. This is believed to be the original Greek name of the city. If you look at the map, then the name Limassol is used there. This name is no longer original but slightly adapted to the West.
History of Limassol
Limassol BC
The history of Limassol begins in ancient times. If you believe the excavations that were carried out on the territory of the city, then people have already lived here somewhere since the 4th century BC. Of course, one of the theories of the name of the city contradicts this a little, since according to it, it is said that the city was created due to the merger of two cities. However, the found graves, which have survived to this day, prove that some kind of settlement did exist here.
In the 4th century AD, The city of Nemesis was founded.
In the 10th century A.D., it had already been renamed Lemesos.
The city ruled by the British
In 1191, the city already bore the name of Limassol and was under the possession of the Byzantines.
At this time, King Richard the Lionheart of England was just traveling to the Holy Land. His fiancee and sister also traveled with him, only on another ship. Just this ship, when passing near Cyprus, namely the city of Limassol, crashed. But the current governor of Cyprus, Isaac Komnenos, refused not only to get off the entire crew and travelers of the ship on the island but simply to lend a helping hand. Richard also asked the governor to help in the liberation of the Holy Land. To which he also received a negative answer. In this connection, the embittered British captured the island.
At this time, the city of Amathus was destroyed and all the inhabitants moved to Limassol (or Lemessos).
Prosperous time of the city (Lemessos)
In 1192 Richard decided to sell the island to the Knights Templar. But since the knights of the order, due to greed and need for money, began their government with the establishment of large taxes for the inhabitants of Cyprus, Richard changed his mind and resold the island to the Lusignans.
In 1228 the city of Limassol was captured by King Frederick II of Germany. But his possession of the city did not last long.
In 1229, a battle took place between the Franks and the Germans, as a result of which the city was liberated from the Germans.
But still 1192 – 1489 – these are the years of prosperity of the city of Limassol (Lemessos). During this time, a port was built, thereby improving the island’s trade with other countries. Kolossi Castle and Limassol Castle were also built.
Limassol under Venetian rule
In 1489 Cyprus was sold to the Venetians. Taxes on the island were increased and the development of the economy stopped. The Venetians also destroyed the Limassol Castle.
Turks in Cyprus
In 1570, the island of Cyprus was occupied by the Turks and the prosperity of the city ceased altogether. Limassol was one of the first cities that was captured therefore it was burned and destroyed. During the stay of the Turks on the island, Cyprus did not develop at all. Greeks and Turks did not have good contact with each other and lived in different quarters. All obstacles were created so that children could not learn, therefore the mental capacity of the Cypriots also decreased.
1754 – 1821 – the church began to engage in education on the island. Schools were built. 3 schools were built in the city, one of them was Greek, the second was a school for girls. They taught French and Turkish languages and history.
British in Cyprus.
In 1878, the British began to rule in Cyprus. Limassol liked the governor, who was the main one at that time in the city. He made sure that the city acquired a well-groomed and respectable appearance. Roads were repaired and lighting installed. Post offices appeared in Limassol, a hospital and schools were built. Places have been opened in the city for the entertainment and cultivation of residents. Theaters and galleries were opened.
Life in the city after the division of Cyprus and today
In 1974, the Republic of Cyprus was divided into Greek and Turkish parts. Until that time, Famagusta was the most popular tourist city, and after it passed to the Turkish part, the entire tourist flow was directed to Limassol (Lemessos). The city began to equip for tourists. Hotels and restaurants were built.
Today it is one of the most popular cities in Cyprus for recreation and work, as taxes here are low compared to Europe.
Areas in Limassol
The city is conditionally divided into several districts so that residents and tourists can easily navigate the area.
The Central District is the historic district of the city. It includes the Old Town, shopping street, University Square, Agiou Andreou Street, and Saripolou Square.
The Petamos Yermasoyias area is a place of entertainment. Here you can eat deliciously, as there are many restaurants and establishments, and dance in clubs.
The Dabenhams department store and Crowne Plaza hotel area – this area is perfect for you if you are looking for somewhere to live in Limassol, as hotels are located here, as well as convenient infrastructure, many stops of public transports.
Germasogeia area – an area for relaxation and outdoor recreation. Here is the Dasoudi park with a eucalyptus grove.
Amathus area – the area was named after the city, which was one of the constituent parts of the current city of Limassol. It also includes excavations of this city. This area is located on the outskirts of the city.
What to see in Limassol
There are a lot of places in Limassol, visiting which will make your stay in this city more interesting. We will list them:
- Embankment Molos
- Theater Museum
- Archaeological Museum
- Water museum
- Museum of Historic and Classic Cars
- Wine Museum
- Carob Museum
- City Park. Every September there are wine festivals.
- Beaches of Limassol: Governor’s Beach, Aphrodite, Malindi and Dasoudi, Kourion.
- Fasouri Watermania Water Park
- Kolossi Castle
- Limassol castle
- Old Port of Limassol
- Nightlife in Limassol: Guaba Beach Bar, Dolce Club, Breeze Summer Club, bars and clubs located on Saripolou Square
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