Limassol

Limassol
Name	Limassol
Native name	Λεμεσός
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	34, 40, 29, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Cyprus
Subdivision type1	District
Subdivision name1	Limassol District
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Nicos Nicolaides
Area total km2	43.87
Population total	101,000
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	EET
Utc offset	+2
Timezone DST	EEST
Utc offset DST	+3
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	3010–3150
Area code type	Area code
Area code	+357 25
Website	www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy

Limassol. It is the second-largest city in Cyprus and a major economic hub on the island's southern coast. Situated on Akrotiri Bay between the ancient city-kingdoms of Amathus and Kourion, it serves as the capital of the Limassol District. The city is renowned for its expansive Limassol Marina, vibrant wine industry centered on the Commandaria region, and its status as a key center for shipping and tourism.

History

The area's earliest significant settlement was the nearby Amathus, one of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus. Modern Limassol is believed to have been established between the older sites of Amathus and Kourion after Amathus was abandoned. The city gained prominence in 1191 when Richard the Lionheart landed here during the Third Crusade and married Berengaria of Navarre at the Limassol Castle. Following the Lusignan period, it came under Venetian and then Ottoman rule. Under British administration, the port was developed significantly. A pivotal modern event was the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, which led to a large influx of Greek Cypriot refugees and transformed the city into a major economic center, absorbing businesses relocated from Famagusta.

Geography and climate

Limassol is situated on the southern coast of Cyprus, on Akrotiri Bay, and is part of the larger Limassol District. The city's urban area stretches along the coast and is backed by the southern foothills of the Troodos Mountains. The British Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri lies to the west. The climate is classified as hot-summer Mediterranean, featuring long, hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. It is one of the warmest metropolitan areas in Europe.

Demographics

Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Limassol experienced rapid population growth as it became a reception center for many Greek Cypriot refugees displaced from the north. The city has a significant Armenian Cypriot community and is also home to a large expatriate population, including many from Russia, Britain, and Israel. This has contributed to a notably cosmopolitan character. The metropolitan area is the most populous in Cyprus after the Nicosia metropolitan area.

Economy

Limassol is the primary shipping and tourism hub of Cyprus, hosting the island's largest port. It is the base for numerous international shipping companies, earning it the nickname "the maritime capital of Cyprus." The city is a major center for offshore companies and international business services. The surrounding region is the heart of the Cypriot wine industry, famous for the Commandaria dessert wine. Other key sectors include construction, fueled by major projects like Limassol Marina, and a growing information technology sector.

Culture and landmarks

The city's cultural life is vibrant, highlighted by the annual Limassol Carnival and the Limassol Wine Festival. Key historical landmarks include the medieval Limassol Castle, housing the Cyprus Medieval Museum, and the archaeological sites of Amathus and Kourion nearby. The Limassol Marina is a modern landmark and leisure destination. The city boasts numerous museums, including the Cyprus University of Technology Archaeological Museum and the Limassol Municipal Art Gallery. The Rialto Theatre is a major venue for performing arts.

Transport

The city is served by the Limassol Port, the busiest in Cyprus, which handles both cargo and cruise ships. Public transport within the district is primarily provided by buses. The A1 motorway connects Limassol to the capital, Nicosia, while the A5 motorway links it to Paphos and the Paphos International Airport. The city is approximately a one-hour drive from Larnaca International Airport.

Education and sports

Limassol is home to the Cyprus University of Technology and branches of the University of Cyprus and University of Nicosia. The city has a strong sporting tradition, with key football clubs being AEL Limassol, Apollon Limassol, and Aris Limassol, all of which have won the Cypriot First Division. The Tsirion Stadium is a major football and athletics venue. Limassol also hosts the Limassol Marathon and is a training base for various international athletes.

Category:Limassol Category:Cities in Cyprus Category:Populated places in Limassol District Category:Port cities and towns in Cyprus