Sites
around Limassol are plentiful and
within a short drive away, visitors
will not be disappointed. The Kolossi
Castle is situated just outside
Limassol and it towers over a countryside
full of vineyards. Access to the
castle is by crossing a short drawbridge,
which in ancient times was defended
from high above by pouring boiling
oil onto the heads of prospective
invaders. A spiral staircase takes
you up to the roof and the restored
battlements. The castle was built
by the Order of St John of Jerusalem
in the 13th century and was restored
in 1933 by the British.
Just west of Limassol, the Temple
of Kourion (Curium) is home to
several Greek and Roman ruins and
classical music concerts and Shakespearean
plays are occasionally staged in
the amphitheatre. Located next
to the theatre is the Villa of
Eustolios which is a summer house
built by a wealthy Christian. Close
by is a wonderful partially rebuilt
Roman stadium.
The Troodos Mountains are always
a welcome natural attraction and
a comfortable alternative to the
heat of Limassol. Most popular
with hikers, this mountain area
has pleasant walking trails, ancient
monasteries, winemaking villages
and even a ski resort.
While Platres, the principal
resort in the south of the region
was
originally a colonial hill station,
in the western Troodos you will
find Pedoulas which is home to
the Church of Arhangelos Mihail.
The Solea district, in the north
of the region is dotted with
picturesque villages and monasteries
throughout.
|
![[view map]](reg_sum_images/cyprus/limassol-map.gif){kind=link}