The Royal Apollonia in house magazine (issue 3, summer 2017) (issue 3, summer 2017) | Page 15

LIMASSOL
A Small Piece of Heaven
in the Country of Contrasts, Cyprus
The synergy between tradition and ingenuity allows the main cities in
Cyprus to rise and shine in the eyes of its inhabitants and visitors. One of such
shimmering cities is Lemesos, known also as Limassol.
The Bond to the Past
Built between two ancient cities,
Amathus and Kourion, Limassol is now
a modern city located on the southern
coast of contrasting Cyprus. Known for
its incredibly rich and large cultural tra-
dition, amazing nightlife, and touristic as
well as industrial importance, Limassol
is what many people might call a “small
piece of heaven”.
Even though there is evidence that
it was inhabited in antiquity, the city
is considered new. However, the rich
past of the area fascinates all local and
foreign history lovers who are intrigued
by the beauty of its authentic land-
marks, especially the old port castle.
Romance enthusiasts are also attracted
by the beautiful castle since it was the
place where Richard the Lionheart mar-
ried and crowned as Queen of England,
his love, Queen Berengaria of Navarre.
King Richard was also the one who de-
stroyed Amathus and transferred every-
body to Limassol.
It is obvious how British culture con-
tributed to the development of both ar-
tistic and intellectual life in Cyprus, and
why its influence meant a great deal to
the manner Limassol created itself. But
the French, as well as Venetians and the
famous Ottoman Empire also contributed
to making the place what it is today, an
intriguing mixture of beautiful cultural
influences.
The Natural Beauty
and Cultural Diversity
History is not the only aspect that
played an important role in what Limassol
became. Some of the merits go to its loca-
tion, as well. Its neighbours, the Greeks
and the Turks brought parts of their cul-
ture, stirring up the local lifestyle, spicing
up the cuisine and adding the enriching
variety that gives the city its special vibe.
T H E R O YA L A P O L L O N I A M A G A Z IN E • 2017 summer edition
This is why now, Limassol is not only
an important industrial city but also an
ideal holiday destination for travellers
who seek a lively nightlife, delicious
food, sandy beaches and a glimpse at its
rich, interesting story. Important land-
marks are the already mentioned famous
Castle, the Folk Art Museum, The Mu-
nicipal Garden, as well as the Archeo-
logical Museum.
In addition, the city is famous for
water sports, shopping, for its busy and
loud taverns and nightclubs in Potamos
Yermasoyia, as well as for hosting special
events, like the carnival and annual wine
festival.
Furthermore, the area is blessed with
incredible views, luxurious hotels, as
well as the well-known hospitality of its
inhabitants. All these ingredients make
Limassol one of the top destinations in
the country of contrasts we all know as
Cyprus. ■
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