Limassol is situated between the ancient towns of Amathus and Curium (Kourion). Amathus to the east. Limassol is situated between the ancient towns of Amathus and Curium (Kourion). Amathus to the and Kourion to the west, both of which are being extensively excavated. In 1911, Amathus was destroyed by King Richard the Lionheart and through its downfall led the formation of Limassol.
According to the Synod (451 BC), the bishop of Theodossiani Sotir along with the bishops of Amathus and Arsinoe were part of the initial development of Limassol. The city was known as Neapolis (New Town) around the 7th Century and in the 10th Century, Constantine V11 Porphrougenitus (the son of the Byzantine emperor Leo VI) had referred to Limassol as ‘Nemesos’.
In 1191 A.D. the Byzantine domination of Cyprus came to an end. During 1192, the island was sold to the Templars, rich monks and soldiers, but their knights began to collect high taxes to make a return from the purchase of Cyprus. This was not welcomed by the Cypriots, demanding the King to abolish the bond of the promise, which King Richard accepted. Cyprus then came under the rule of the Frankish Dynasty; the Lusignan kings of the medieval Cypriot kingdom.
The city of Limassol flourished during the period of 1192-1489. It experienced several attacks and influences of Germany, Egypt, Ottoman and Turkey. During the years 1754-1821, since the Turkish domination did not contribute to any development, the church acted as an educational base. They taught Greek history, Turkish and French.
The following schools were established in the city of Limassol:
- The Greek School - 1819,
- The Public school - 1841,
- The Girls’ School - 1861.
The British took over in Cyprus in 1878. The first British governor of Limassol was Colonel Warren. He showed a particular interest in Limassol and even from the very first days the condition of the town showed an improvement. The roads were cleaned, the animals were removed from the center, roads were fixed, trees were planted and docks were constructed for the loading and unloading of those ships that were embarked away from the shore. Lanterns for the lighting of the central areas were also installed in the 1880. In 1912, electricity finally replaced the old lanterns.
From the very first years of the British occupation, a post office, a telegraph office and a hospital began to operate. In 1880 the first printing press started working. It was in this printing press that the newspapers «Alithia» and «Anagennisis» were published in 1897. The newspaper «Salpinx» was published at the same time.
At the end of the 19th century the very first hotels began to operate. Among these were «Europe» and «Amathus».
These changes that the British brought about contributed to the development of an intellectual and artistic life. Schools, theaters, clubs, art galleries, music halls, sport societies, football clubs etc. were all set up and meant a great deal to the cultural life of Lemesos (Limassol).
Job opportunities concerned the wine and ceramic industries, as well as the commerce and tourism developed by the port.
After the invasion of Famagusta and other towns, the port in Limassol became the central port of Cyprus. Today, the city is the home for several industrial units as well as being a popular tourist destination. |