Rhapsody :: Excursions :: Cyprus

The City of Limassol

In the 7th century BC a series of five strong earthquakes within a period of eighty years caused the demise of the thriving city kingdom of Curium, the huge tsunami created by the last earthquake delivering the final blow and bringing all life to an end.
Perched on top of a hill just outside the modern city of Limassol, Curium commands panoramic views of the blue Mediterranean Sea below, with its long stretch of sandy beach and cultivated fields extending right onto the shoreline.

Visit the magnificent Greco Roman theatre built in the 2nd century BC. where two thousand seated spectators watched gladiator games. Fully restored today, it is used every summer for musical and theatrical performances by local and international artists. Your next stop will be the House of Eustolios with its stunning 5th century mosaic floors and unique complex of baths.

Two kilometres away the Sanctuary of Apollo with its stunning Corinthian columns is dedicated to the woodland god and protector of Curium. Between Curium and the Sanctuary a 400 meters long stadium could sit up to 7,000 spectators who would watch ancient Greek sports.

On your way to Curium a short photo stop at Colossi Castle, a fine example of military architecture built by the Crusaders in the 13th century will take place. This is where the production of ‘Coummandaria’ began (the famous sweet dessert wine of Cyprus), during the period when Colossi served as the Headquarters of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

Back in town, stop at the Medieval Castle in the old part of Limassol. Built in the 14th century, this is where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre in 1191 crowning her Queen of England. The castle houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum. Visit is optional and your guide can help you purchase the ticket. Free time in the old town to browse through the shops for souvenirs will also be allocated before returning to the port.

Special Notes:
Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Suitable for persons with limited walking capabilities. Wheelchair confined will encounter difficulties at Curium. Many steps and ramps at Curium with uneven ground strewn with boulders at the Sanctuary of Apollo