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Limassol Salt Lake ( Greek : Αλυκή Λεμεσού ; also known as Akrotiri Salt Lake , Greek : Αλυκή Ακρωτηρίου ) is the largest inland body of water on the island of Cyprus . It is located in Akrotiri and Dhekelia , administered as a Sovereign Base Area ; specifically in the Western Sovereign Base Area .

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73-449: It lies due south-west of the sprawling city of Limassol and measures 10.65 km (4.11 sq mi). According to a BirdLife (Cyprus) booklet, its lowest point is 2.7 metres (8 ft 10 in) below sea level, and at its deepest point the water depth measures about one meter. A study mentions that the maximum depth of the salt lake reaches 2.8 m below mean sea level in the winter. A BirdLife International entry for an area including

146-405: A 250 metres (820 feet) breakwater, can accommodate only three small ships at a time and is primarily used by fishing boats. These ports facilitate the export of grapes, wines, carobs, and citrus fruits , as well as the import of cereals , vehicles , machinery, textiles, agricultural medicines, fertilizers , and iron. The Limassol Marina , built in 2014, is located 500 metres (1,600 feet) west of

219-462: A day. During this season there are a few days when the daytime highs might not exceed 12 °C (54 °F) and the night time lows might be as low as 2 °C (36 °F) but usually the temperature ranges from 16 °C (61 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F) in the day and from 7 °C (45 °F) to 12 °C (54 °F) in the night. Rain tends to be heavy this time of the year and thunderstorms occur often though they usually do not last for

292-582: A fascinating collection of antiquities discovered in the district, spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Roman period . Among the notable artifacts are stone axes from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, pottery and objects from the ancient cities of Kourion and Amathus , as well as Roman terracottas , gold jewelry, coins, sculptures, columns , vases, earrings, rings, necklaces, and marble statues. The museum

365-577: A foundation date of around 7000 BCE. Further excavations were then held in the early 1970s but were interrupted by the Turkish invasion of the island . A French mission under the direction of Alain Le Brun resumed excavation of the site in 1977. It was occupied from the 7th until the 4th millennium BC . The settlement of Khirokitia is situated on the slope of a hill in the valley of the Maroni River, towards

438-584: A long time. Snow in Limassol is a very rare occurrence and usually falls mixed with rain every 7 to 13 years. Snow mixed with rain fell in February 2004, in January 2008 and in February 2012. In January 2022 Limassol registered a record low temperature of −0.8 °C (31 °F). In spring the weather is mild to warm and pleasant. It is sunny almost every day and the temperatures are around 19–20 °C (66–68 °F) in

511-415: A medieval museum. The museum’s collection spans from 400 to 1870 AD, showcasing a variety of exhibits including cannons , 17th and 18th-century wood carvings , paintings, tombstones , statues, suits of armor, coins, terracotta , metalware, pottery, glass, and marble artifacts. The Kolossi Castle , located about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) west of Limassol, is a medieval fortress originally built in

584-427: A particular interest in Limassol and even from the first days the condition of the town showed an improvement. The roads were cleaned, the animals were removed from the centre, roads were fixed, trees were planted and docks were constructed for the loading and unloading of those ships that were anchored off-shore. Lanterns for the lighting of the central areas were also installed in the 1880s. In 1912, electricity replaced

657-574: A rich history with various influences by various civilisations. The most notable ruin is considered to be the Temple of Aphrodite , a major centre of worship and a sacred place for ceremonies and offerings, sitting atop the Acropolis of Amathus. Many tombs dating to the Iron Age can be found, as well as remnants of public baths and other buildings in the ancient Agora . One of the most remarkable finds from Amathus

730-554: A stopover during the migration seasons between Africa and Europe. BirdLife International estimates that between 2,000 and 20,000 greater flamingos ( Phoenicopterus roseus ) spend the winter months on the lake. In 2003 the British Ministry of Defence caused some controversy by constructing two gigantic antennas as part of its radio listening post network in the Middle East . Local and European environmentalists are concerned that

803-680: A strong wall of stones 2.5 m thick and 3 m at its highest preserved level. Access into the village was probably via several entry points through the wall. The buildings within this wall consist of round structures huddled close together, called tholoi , between 2 and 9 m in diameter, which may have had windows. These tholoi are organized in tight groups around an unroofed "courtyard", which scholars believe represents family groups. The lower parts of these buildings are often of stone and attain massive proportions by constant additions of further skins of stones. A collapsed flat roof of one building found recently indicates that not all roofs were dome shaped as

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876-659: Is a large limestone amphora , now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris . This vase dates back to the 6th century BC and weighs 14 tonnes (14,000 kg). Kourion is another ancient city-kingdom, situated approx. 19 kilometres (12 mi) west of Limassol, with a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period , with significant developments during the Hellenistic , Roman , and Early Christian periods. The centerpiece of Kourion

949-483: Is an archaeological site on the island of Cyprus dating from the Neolithic age. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1998. The site is known as one of the most important and best preserved prehistoric sites of the eastern Mediterranean . Much of its importance lies in the evidence of an organised functional society in the form of a collective settlement , with surrounding fortifications for communal protection. The Neolithic aceramic period

1022-571: Is largely known by the events associated with the Third Crusade . The king of England, Richard the Lionheart , was travelling to the Holy Land in 1190. His fiancée, Berengaria , and his sister, Joan , were also travelling there, but on a different ship. Due to a storm, the women's ship arrived in Limassol. Isaac Komnenos , the renegade Byzantine governor of Cyprus, invited the noblewomen ashore, with

1095-578: Is located in a preserved historic house and features a collection of Cypriot folk art from the past two centuries. The collection includes national costumes, tapestries, embroidery, wooden chests, waistcoats, men’s jackets, necklaces, various light garments, town costumes, and rural tools. Established in 1985, the museum houses over 500 exhibits across six rooms. It was awarded the Europa Nostra prize in 1989. Visitors can explore Cypriot culture through these handmade exhibits. The Archaeological Museum offers

1168-482: Is one of the ten castles of Cyprus , constructed by the Byzantines around 1000 AD. A chapel was also built on the site during the same period. It is believed that Richard the Lionheart married his fiancée, Princess Berengaria of Navarre , at this location in 1191 after her ship was grounded nearby while she was accompanying him to the Third Crusade . The castle served as a prison from 1790 to 1940 and now functions as

1241-640: Is rare. The temperatures range between 19 °C (66 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) in June and September and 22 °C (72 °F) to 40 °C (104 °F) in July and August. In June, sea mist can sometimes occur, usually resolving early in the morning. Autumn is warm and usually sunny. It begins in the end of November and in December. During this period of the year, temperatures range from as low as 12 °C (54 °F) to as high as 20 °C (68 °F). This season

1314-572: Is represented by this settlement and around 20 other similar settlements spread throughout the island. The site was discovered in 1934 by Porphyrios Dikaios , director of the Department of Antiquities who carried out six excavations between 1934 and 1946. His initial findings were published in The Journal of Hellenic Studies in 1934. Dikaios initially believed the settlement was established around 4000 BC. Radiocarbon dating , however, later revealed

1387-542: Is the Greco-Roman theatre , originally built in the 2nd century BC and expanded in the 2nd century AD. It has been restored and is still used for open-air performances, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea . The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates was dedicated to Apollo Hylates , the god of the woodland. It includes the remains of a temple , a bath complex, and a palaestra (wrestling school). The medieval Limassol Castle

1460-513: Is the largest industrial centre in the district, hosting around 350 industrial units with 90 industry wares. These industries include dressmaking, furniture, footwear, beverages, food, printing, metalwork, electrical devices, plastics, and more. Limassol is a key trade centre in Cyprus, partially due to the presence of the UK sovereign base at Episkopi and Akrotiri , and the population displacement following

1533-572: Is the most populated in Cyprus, with a population of 108,105, followed by Strovolos in Nicosia. Limassol was built between two ancient Greek cities , Amathus and Kourion . Its historical centre is located around the medieval Limassol Castle and the Old Port. Today the city spreads along the Mediterranean coast and has extended much farther than the castle and port, with its suburbs stretching along

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1606-647: Is “ ONE ", Cyprus’s tallest tower and Europe’s tallest seafront residential building. Another notable project is the “ City of Dreams Mediterranean (CoDM) ”, the first and largest integrated resort in Europe. In 2023, CoDM received the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award for “Best New Luxury Casino Resort in the World". Amathus is an ancient city-kingdom, located about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) east of Limassol, dating back to 1100 BC, with

1679-515: The Anglo-Normans , bringing the long Byzantine dominion of Cyprus to an end. Richard celebrated his marriage with Berengaria who had received the crown as queen of England in Cyprus. Richard destroyed Amathus and the inhabitants were transferred to Limassol. A year later, in 1191 Cyprus was sold for the sum of 100,000 bezants to the Templars , rich monks and soldiers whose aim was the protection of

1752-621: The Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem . The knights enforced high taxes, in order to get back the money that had been given for the purchase of Cyprus. This led to the revolt of the Cypriots, who wished to get rid of the bond of the promise. Richard accepted their request and a new purchaser was found: Guy of Lusignan , a Roman Catholic from Poitou . Cyprus was therefore handed over to the French dynasty of

1825-465: The Nareg Armenian School ( Armenian : Նարեկ Հայկական Վարժարան ). There is also an Armenian village in the Limassol district called Armenochori ( Greek : Αρμενοχώρι ). The population birth rate rose by 70% during the late 19th and 20th centuries (1878–1960). The number of inhabitants increased from 6,131 in 1881 to 43,593 in 1960. The Greek Cypriot population was estimated at 37,478, while

1898-471: The Nareg Armenian School also has a campus in the city, one of three on the island. In terms of higher education, Limassol is the base of Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) , one of three state universities , established in 2004. The city is also home to Frederick University and the University of Limassol, which are both private universities. Many institutions of tertiary education can be found in

1971-868: The Port of Limassol became the Republic of Cyprus’s main seaport . Prior to that, the role had been filled by the port of Famagusta , now located in the de facto state of Northern Cyprus , which is not recognised as a legal port by any country except Turkey . Limassol is home to many of Cyprus’s wine companies, which cater to the wine-growing regions on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains , including Commandaria . Notable companies such as KEO , LOEL, SODAP, and ETKO produce award-winning wines and brandies ( cognacs ) in international exhibitions. These products are highly consumed by both locals and tourists, with significant quantities exported to Europe. Limassol

2044-505: The ancient Greek word “Nemesos” ( Greek : Νέμεσσος , romanized :  Nemessos ), which means “one found in the middle". This likely refers to the city’s location between the ancient towns of Amathus and Kourion. Over time, the name evolved into “Lemesos", which is known in English as “Limassol". Limassol is situated between the ancient city-kingdoms of Amathus , founded around 1100 BC by Greek settlers, and Kourion , founded around

2117-476: The collapse of the Soviet Union . The city has also become increasingly popular with Russian and other post-Soviet nationals and expatriates, earning the nickname “Limassolgrad". Today, about 17% of Limassol’s population is Russian-speaking, and 8% are Russian citizens. Historically, Limassol had a mixed population of Greek Cypriots , Turkish Cypriots , and Armenian Cypriots . Most Turkish Cypriots moved to

2190-564: The 13th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem , also known as the Knights Hospitaller. The current structure, rebuilt in 1454, features a well-preserved three-story keep and an attached rectangular enclosure . The castle played a significant role in the production of sugar from local sugarcane and is also associated with the famous Commandaria wine. The Folk Art Museum

2263-493: The 13th century led to the financial welfare of its inhabitants. Its harbour as a centre of transportation and commerce, contributed greatly to the financial and cultural development . Cyprus was sold in 1489 to Venice by the Cypriot Queen Catherine Cornaro . The Venetians were not interested in Cyprus. They only wanted to receive taxes and exploit the island’s sources. All the inhabitants were enslaved by

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2336-464: The 2022 GaWC ranking, Limassol was classified as a "High Sufficiency" city, falling down one category from "Gamma − " ( lit.   ' global city ' ), in 2020. In 2023, the largest integrated casino resort in Europe opened its doors in Limassol along the south coast. It spans 14 stories, with 500 rooms and houses as well as the island's largest pool area. The name “Limassol” originates from

2409-591: The British brought about contributed to the development of an intellectual and artistic life. Schools, theatres, clubs, art galleries , music halls , sport societies, football clubs etc. were all set up and meant a great deal to the cultural life of Limassol. Due to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 the Turkish Cypriot inhabitants of Limassol were transferred to the north of Cyprus. Accordingly, many Greek Cypriots refugees who were uprooted from their homes in

2482-478: The Limassol Castle, on the Old Port. This new development allows berthing of ocean-going yachts, having hosted its first yachts in 2013. The marina has a capacity of 1,000 vessels. Since 2014, Limassol has experienced a construction boom driven by the tourism sector and increasing foreign investments. Public projects, such as the redesign of the one-kilometre (0.62-mile) Limassol Molos promenade, have enhanced

2555-638: The Turkish Cypriot population was at 6,115. Limassol has an educational infrastructure which spans primary education , secondary education and higher education . There are over a hundred public educational institutions in the city, mostly taught in Greek. Laniteio Lyceum , the oldest lyceum in the city, and the largest on the island, known as the Greek School when it was established in 1819, led education with many advancements that public education lacked at

2628-525: The Turkish invasion in 1974. The main trade markets are located in the town centre and the coastal tourist area, stretching from the Old Port to the Amathus area. This area is home to most of the hotels , restaurants , confectioneries , discos , and entertainment venues. Major global retail shops can be found on Anexartisias Street and Makariou Avenue , the city’s primary shopping streets, as well as at MYMALL ,

2701-616: The Venetians, and were obliged to give a third of their income, whether this was part of their products of the land. Travelers who visited Cyprus in the 16th century commented on the poor condition of the local population in the towns of the island. In 1538 the Ottomans captured the city and the Limassol castle . The Venetian governor of Cyprus, after recapturing the castle, decided to demolish it in order to avoid its possible seizure. This destruction

2774-529: The city. Tourism in Limassol began to flourish after 1974, following the occupation of Famagusta and Kyrenia , the principal tourist resorts of Cyprus, during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus . Limassol has many beaches, suitable for sunbathing and swimming. A bathing beach with all the necessary facilities, provided by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation , operates in the Dasoudi area. In 1974,

2847-458: The coast to Amathus. To the west of the city is Akrotiri , one of the two British Overseas Territories of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on the island. In 2014, Limassol was ranked by TripAdvisor as the 3rd up-and-coming destination in the world, in its Top 10 Traveler's Choice Destinations on the Rise list. In Mercer's Quality of Living Ranking , the city was ranked 90th in 2023, and 89th in 2017. In

2920-561: The day and 9 °C (48 °F) in the night. Rain showers and thunderstorms are common especially in late March and April. Sometimes during the spring dust comes from the Sahara desert which degrades air quality in the city. Summer for Limassol is the longest season of the year, and lasts about six months; it begins in May and ends in October. At this time of the year, the weather is sunny every day and rain

2993-454: The exception of Ypsonas . Limassol has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate ( Köppen climate classification : Csa ), closely bordering a hot semi-arid climate ( Köppen climate classification : BSh ), with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters, which are separated by short springs and autumns which are generally warm and sunny. From December to March, the weather is unsettled and can be rainy and windy. Sunshine averages around 6 hours

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3066-544: The extended summer season, accommodated within a wide variety of hotels and apartments available. The Limassol coastline, known as “The Limassol Riviera”, is undergoing a significant construction boom that began in late 2013 with new legislation encouraging development; becoming Europe's newest riviera. Since then, hundreds of new housing units and mushrooming businesses are introduced to the community annually. Currently , over 70 buildings taller than 50m are proposed or under construction, including 32 skyscrapers . Among these

3139-402: The first floor were transformed into prison cells and remained in use until 1950. Some neighbourhoods, primarily to the east of the city, were predominantly Greek, while those to the west were mainly Turkish, with a mixed area around the castle. Christians lived in small, low houses that required one to bend to enter, a deliberate design to prevent Turks from riding horses into the homes. During

3212-479: The floors of the houses. In some instances provision was made for offerings, possibly indicating a form of Ancestor cult within the households. This, the earliest known culture in Cyprus, consisted of a well-organised, developed society mainly engaged in farming, hunting and herding. Farming was mainly of cereal crops. They also gathered fruit in the surrounding area such as pistachio nuts, figs, olives and plums. The four main species of animals whose remains were found on

3285-851: The gardens. The Limassol Molos , a multifunctional seaside park from reclaimed land that spans one-kilometre (0.62-mile), is one of the city's largest hotspots, as well as one of the largest parks on the island. Fishing , kayaking and many other watersports can be done off the piers of the park. The Limassol Sculpture Park, commissioned by the Limassol Municipality, can be found at Molos. The sculptures were created by Costas Dikefalos, Thodoros Papayiannis , Vassilis Vassili and Kyriakos Rokos from Greece, Helene Black from Cyprus, and more. Khirokitia Khirokitia (sometimes spelled Choirokoitia ; Greek : Χοιροκοιτία [çiɾociˈti.a] , suggested meaning Pig-cradle , from χοίρος 'pig, boar' + κοιτίς 'place of origin, cradle')

3358-411: The home. The population of the village at any one time is thought not to have exceeded 300 to 600 inhabitants . The people were rather short – the men about 160 centimeters (5 ft 3 in) on average and the women about 150 centimeters (4 ft 11 in). Infant mortality was very high. On average adult men reached 35 years of age and women 33. The dead were buried in crouched positions just under

3431-446: The house of Lusignan , thus establishing the medieval Kingdom of Cyprus . For a period of about three centuries (1192–1489), Limassol enjoyed remarkable prosperity. Cyprus was characterised by its great number of Latin bishops. This lasted until the occupation of Cyprus by the Ottomans in 1570. Latin battalions which established monasteries were settled down there. The settlement of merchants in Cyprus and particularly in Limassol in

3504-411: The intention of holding them for ransom, but they refused. So he refused them fresh water and they had to put out to sea again or yield to capture. When Richard arrived in Limassol and met Isaac Komnenos, he asked him to contribute to the crusade for the liberation of the Holy Land . At the beginning Isaac agreed but later on refused. Richard took him captive; the entire island was therefore taken over by

3577-422: The island was probably occupied continuously at least from the ninth millennium BC. Early communities were small and widely dispersed, so not every region would have been as heavily exploited as later in prehistory. According to the dominating opinion the name of the village is a composite of the word "Khiros" (hog / pig) and the word "Kiti", thus suggesting an area where pigs were raised. Other sources claim that

3650-419: The island’s main port. It is renowned for its extravagant annual events, attracting numerous visitors from both the island and around the globe. Today, the Limassol urban area includes the Limassol Municipality and the municipalities of Kato Polemidia , Mesa Geitonia , Agios Athanasios , Germasogeia , and Ypsonas . For administrative purposes, the municipalities of Limassol are divided into quarters, with

3723-476: The lake gives the minimum elevation of that area as 0 m. Geologists hypothesize the lake was formed over the gradual joining of an offshore islet off the southern coast of Cyprus . The lake dries out in the summer. The lake itself is considered to be one of the eastern Mediterranean region ’s most important wetlands. The shallowness of the lake (more than half of the lake is less than 30 centimetres (12 in) deep) attracts thousands of wading birds to use it as

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3796-654: The largest mall in the district. Limassol has two ports, commonly known as the Old Port (Limassol Marina) and the New Port (Port of Limassol). The New Port handles the majority of commercial and passenger traffic and is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean transit trade and is the largest port in the Republic of Cyprus. With a depth of 11 metres (36 feet) and breakwaters extending 1,300 metres (4,300 feet), can receive about ten ships, depending on their size. The Old Port, with

3869-404: The local bishop as well as the bishops of Amathus and Arsinoe were involved in the foundation of the city, which would be known by the names of Theodosiana and Neapolis . Bishop Leontios of Neapolis was an important church writer in the 7th century. The records of the 7th Synod (757) refer to it as the bishop's see. The town was known as Lemesos by the 10th century. The history of Limassol

3942-502: The north in 1974-1975. Consequently, many Greek Cypriots from the north, who became refugees following the Turkish invasion , settled in the city. In the 1990s, several Cypriot Romani people (considered Turkish Cypriots according to the constitution ) returned from the north to the Turkish quarter of Limassol. Armenians remained in Limassol, residing around the Sourp Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church and maintain

4015-427: The north, fled, and settled down in the city. When Famagusta was occupied by Turkish troops, Limassol experienced rapid growth fuelled by the large population increase and the need for housing. Many luxury hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues were built, making Limassol the new commerce centre of Cyprus, the role which had been filled by Famagusta. Today, Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus and hosts

4088-474: The old lanterns. From the 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 first hotels began to operate. Among these were Europe and Amathus. These changes that

4161-412: The original name was "Sidirokitida", thus an area where iron was found. It is also said that it might have originated from the word "Khirogetia", which implies the practice of palmistry. According yet to another opinion, it may have originated from some initial name like "Ierokitida" (Sacred place). Yet more imaginative opinions claim that the name came from the words "gyros" and "oikia" due to the fact that

4234-427: The period of Turkish rule, Cyprus experienced a general decline. The Turks did not contribute to any development, and Greeks and Turks lived in separate neighbourhoods. The intellectual standards of Cypriots declined due to the lack of interest from the conquerors, oppression, and high taxation, which hindered the intellectual development of children. The church played an important role in the education of Greeks during

4307-487: The prehistoric huts are round. Furthermore, tradition has it that the name is derived from the phrase "Chere Kitia" a phrase used by the Queen "Rigena" to address a certain female friend of hers from Kition. It was also claimed that maybe the name originated from the plant Annona cherimola , which is found cultivated in Cyprus under the more simple name "Cheromolia", although this is considered very unlikely. At any rate, in old maps

4380-424: The proximity of the listening posts to this ecosystem could have a significant impact on the wildlife. Limassol Limassol , also known as Lemesos , is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus and capital of the Limassol district . Limassol is the second-largest urban area in Cyprus after Nicosia , with an urban population of 195,139 and a district population of 262,238. The Limassol municipality

4453-419: The quality of life and the city’s image as a cosmopolitan destination. Infrastructure improvements, partly funded by European programs, have addressed traffic issues with new highway flyovers and roundabouts. Limassol has become a major centre for tourism , trade , and services. The city offers numerous museums and archaeological sites for visitors. It attracts a diverse range of tourists, especially during

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4526-480: The region saw the development of more complex societies, with evidence of trade and cultural exchanges with neighbouring regions. These early settlements and city-kingdoms laid the foundation for Limassol’s development, contributing to its rich historical and cultural heritage. Ancient writers and geographers mention nothing about the foundation of the town. According to the Council of Chalcedon which took place in 451,

4599-455: The same time. Settlements in the modern area of Limassol were most likely founded after the decline and destruction of Amathus, around the 7th century AD. The area around Limassol shows evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period (around 7000 BC). Sites like Chirokitia , although not directly in Limassol, indicate the presence of early farming communities. During the Bronze Age,

4672-520: The site were deer, sheep, goats and pigs. The village of Khirokoitia was suddenly abandoned for reasons unknown at around 6000 BC and it seems that the island remained uninhabited for about 1500 years until the next recorded entity, the Sotira group. More recent discoveries, however, including several sites in the vicinity of the ancient acropolis of Amathus on the eastern edge of modern Limassol, have filled this chronological gap considerably, revealing that

4745-400: The southern coast of the island about 6 km from the sea. Subsistence methods practiced by its Neolithic inhabitants included farming crops like wheat, barley, lentils, peas, horse bean, and vetch, foraging olives, flax, figs, pistachios, plums, and pears, herding sheep, goats, and pigs , and hunting deer. It is a closed village, cut off from the outside world, apart from by the river, by

4818-409: The time on the island. Many private schools also exist, offering education in multiple languages including Greek and English. Such institutions include Saint Mary's School, a catholic private school open to all religions and races, The Grammar School Limassol, American Academy, The Heritage Private School and Foley's Grammar School. In addition to the various Greek and English speaking schools,

4891-424: The weather differs from year to year and it can be very wet with violent thunderstorms sometimes (October 2009 rainfall was around 90 mm (3.5 in)) or very dry (October 2007 rainfall of 2 to 5 millimetres (0.079 to 0.197 in)). Limassol receives around 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain each year but this varies from year to year and sometimes droughts do occur (every 3–5 years). The rainy season 2009–2010

4964-552: The years 1754–1821. During those years, many new schools were established all over the island, most notable in Limassol being the Greek School (modern-day Laniteio Lyceum). Greek history , Turkish and French were taught at schools. In 1878, the British had administrative control over Cyprus after the Cyprus convention . The first British governor of Limassol was Colonel Warren. He showed

5037-413: Was 77.7% Cypriot, 8.6% EU citizen , 13.1% Foreign citizen, with 0.6% not stating their nationality. Between 2011 and 2021, the district gained 26,827 residents. Since the 1960s, internal migration and the influx of displaced persons after 1974 have significantly increased the population of Limassol and its suburbs. Limassol is home to a large community of Pontic Greeks , who settled in Cyprus after

5110-405: Was a wet one with precipitation being as high as 515 mm (20.3 in) in some areas whilst the rainy season of 2007–2008 was dry with only 300 mm (11.8 in) of rain. Hail is rare and usually falls between October and April. Limassol is the 2nd most populous district in the Cyprus, with 198,558 residents as of the 2021 Cyprus census. The district population’s citizenships in 2021

5183-543: Was completed in 1567-68. Two years later the Ottomans captured the city. The Ottoman Empire invaded Cyprus in 1570–1577 and occupied it. Limassol was conquered in July 1570 without any resistance. After the Ottoman acquisition of Cyprus in 1576, the remains or parts of the remains of the Limassol castle were incorporated in the new Ottoman fort, completed in 1590, which was considerably strengthened. The underground chamber and

5256-437: Was originally believed. The internal divisions of each hut were according to the purpose of its usage. Low walls, platforms designated work, rest or storage areas. They had hearths presumably used for cooking and heating, benches and windows and in many cases there is evidence of piers to support an upper floor. It is believed that the huts were like rooms several of which were grouped around an open courtyard and together formed

5329-742: Was originally located within the Limassol Castle before being relocated to a site near the Public Gardens. The Limassol Public Gardens , located along the coastal road, boasts a diverse array of vegetation, including eucalyptus trees, pine trees , and cypresses. Within the garden, visitors can explore the Limassol Zoo that houses deer , moufflons , ostriches , pheasants , tigers , lions , monkeys , vultures , pelicans , flamingos and various other animals and birds. The Patticheio Municipal Museum and an open theatre, which has been renovated to host international performances, can also be found within

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