The buried ancient city of Amathus is 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Limassol. Archaeological excavations have unearthed ruins of the Byzantine period and a tomb of the 7th century BC.[5] The ancient Kolossi Castle, which is located 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) to the west of Limassol, reflects the fall of Acre and history of the Templars and their confiscated property allotted to the Limassol District for cultivation of wine and sugarcane.[6]
Geography
Limassol District forms much of the southwestern-central part of Cyprus. The Kouris River rises in the southern slopes of Troodos Mountains, which lie in the northern part of the district towards the centre of Cyprus, and flows to the sea near the ancient city of Kourion. This river has been dammed by the Kouris Dam, which has caused the near drying up of the river in its lower reaches.[7] Limassol, to the northeast of the Akrotiri peninsula lies on Akrotiri Bay, while Pissouri, to the northwest of the peninsula, lies on Episkopi Bay.[8] Episkopi Bay is a nesting ground for green and loggerhead turtles, both of which are on the IUCN list of endangered species.[9] Amathous Beach, Dassoudi Beach and part of Governor's Beach are also situated in the district.
Settlements
According to Statistical Codes of Municipalities, Communities and Quarters of Cyprus per the Statistical Service of Cyprus (2015), Limassol District has 6 municipalities and 106 communities.[10] Municipalities are written with bold.
The municipalities of Limassol, for administrative purposes, are divided into quarters. An exception is the Ypsonas Municipality. The list below shows alphabetically the quarters per municipality.
[11]
The municipalities of Limassol and their quarters.
Caledonian Waterfalls, Limassol. Cyprus
Landmarks
Limassol, as the regional capital and a major centre for European tourism, contains many of the administrative and cultural buildings, and a large number of hotels along the seafront. Limassol District Court is located on Lord Byron Avenue near the Limassol city centre. It consists of a court complex with multiple buildings.[12] The city is known for its wineries, and revelry and nightlife.[13] The Limassol District Archaeological Museum, located in Limassol, has historical artefacts from the towns of Kourion and Amathus.[14] The collections cover several periods, including Preneolithic (Akroteri culture), Early Neolithic (Shillourokambos culture), Neolithic I, Neolithic II (Sotira culture), Chalcolithic, Erimi Culture, Early Bronze Age, Μiddle Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age, Cypro-Geometric period, Cypro-Archaic period, Cypro-Classical period, Hellenistic period, Roman period, and Late Roman/Early Christian/Early Byzantine period.[15] The Painted Churches in the Troödos Region is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site, and one of the churches, Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) is situated in Pelendri, Limassol District.[16]
