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 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.

The city of Limassol plays a vital role in the economy of the Republic of Cyprus. After the illegal occupation of Famagusta and Kyrenia by the Turkish invaders in 1974, Limassol became the major port of Cyprus which in turn led to the growth of the tourism trade developing the city further.

Limassol has some very good beaches, rich in sand and suitable for sunbathing and swimming. A bathing beach with all the necessary facilities, provided by the «Cyprus Organization of Tourism» (COT), is operating in the town of Limassol, in «Dasoudi» area.

Limassol is the home for many of the island's wine companies. The most important ones are KEO, LOEL, SODAP and ETKO. The wines and cognacs (brandies) that are produced by the grapes that grow in the countryside, are of excellent quality. They have won several awards in international exhibitions. There is a considerable consumption of wine products in Cyprus by the locals and the foreign visitors. Big quantities are exported to Europe. The KEO factory also produces an excellent kind of beer.

The town of Limassol is the biggest industrial center of the province. There are about 350 industrial units with 90 industry wares. These industries concern dressmaking, furniture, shoes, drinks, food, prints, metal industry, electric devices, plastic wares as well as many other different industries.

Limassol is an important trade center of Cyprus. The trade markets are gathered in the center of the town and in the tourist area along the coast that begins from the old harbor and ends in Amathus area. Most of the hotels, restaurants, confectioneries, discos and places of entertainment in general, are to be found in this area.

Limassol has two ports. The old port and the new port. The new port has the greatest commercial and passenger flow of traffic and it is the biggest port in the free part of Cyprus. The old harbor has a breakwater 250 meters long and it is able to receive only three small ships. It is thus normally used by small fishing boats. The new harbor is 11 meters deep and has break-waters that are 1.300 meters long. This one is able to receive about 10 ships depending on their size. Exports of grapes, wines, carobs, citrus fruits and imports of cereals, vehicles, machines, textiles, agricultural medicines, fertilizers, iron etc. are exported and imported through these ports.

Lemesos, (Limassol) is the second largest city in Cyprus, after Nicosia. Geagraphically is situated on the southern coast of Cyprus, on Akrotiri Bay between the ancient towns of Amathus and Kourion. It is the largest city in geographical size, as well as being the biggest municipality of Cyprus. Limassol is the largest city of Cyprus in geographical size and is the home for about 180,000 people (2005).

The city is well known for its biggest port in the Mediterranean transportation trade. This richly cultured city has become one of the most important tourism destinations in Cyprus. It is also a hub for trade and services in the area.

As well as the awesome sea sights and attractions, Limassol provides luxurious accommodation facilities for tourists, offering some of the most impressive hotels in Cyprus.

In addition to this, the city of Limassol houses the Cyprus Univeristy of Technology. This was established in 2004, and only recently, in 2007/8 opened its doors to students for the first academic year.

This univeristy was opened in Limassol in order to offer undergraduate and postgraduate schemes that are not already offered at the University of Cyprus, in Nicosia.

At present, this cosmopolitan seaside city has become prominent for the wine trade industry. Limassol hosts the two main festivals of Cyprus; the Carnival and the Wine Festival in September, where the city offers a variety of appreciative entertainment for all ages.

The district of Limassol is bordered by the district of Larnaca in the east, the district of Paphos in the west, the capital; Nicosia in the north, with Akrotiri Bay to the south.

The port of the city is the largest in the Mediterranean transit trade and is considered to be an excellent base for those companies doing business with the Middle East, North Africa or Eastern Europe.

Climate

Limassol has a wonderful Mediterranean climate. The city experiences long, dry, warm summers and short mild winters. The summer temperature varies between 22°C and 39°C, whilst the winter temperature varies between -1°C and 23°C. The temperature of the sea allows swimming almost all year round.

Culture

Limassol’s population comprises of mostly Greek Cypriots as it is located in the south of Cyprus, whereas, the majority of Turkish Cypriots are located in the northern part. However, within the past 20 years Cyprus in general has been inhabited by many other nationalities such as the British and Russians, as well as more Eastern Europeans in recent years.

The locals of Limassol are a closely knit society with a friendly nature. Furthermore, traditions are still up-kept by many, offering plenty of cultural events throughout the year. Some events are performed in the open air Greco-Roman theatre of Kourion by local and visiting theatre companies. The city hosts two major festivals; the spring Carnival with its traditional Parade and the late summer Wine Festival, which are both very popular amongst the tourists.