These early settlements and city-kingdoms laid the foundation for Limassol’s development, contributing to its rich historical and cultural heritage.

[22] Isaac Komnenos, the renegade Byzantine governor of Cyprus, invited the noblewomen ashore, with the intention of holding them for ransom, but they refused.

When Richard arrived in Limassol and met Isaac Komnenos, he asked him to contribute to the crusade for the liberation of the Holy Land.

[22] 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 the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

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.

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.

[citation needed][37] The city has also become increasingly popular with Russian and other post-Soviet nationals and expatriates, earning the nickname “Limassolgrad".

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 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 the Turkish invasion in 1974.

Public projects, such as the redesign of the one-kilometre (0.62-mile) Limassol Molos promenade, have enhanced the quality of life and the city’s image as a cosmopolitan destination.

It attracts a diverse range of tourists, especially during the extended summer season, accommodated within a wide variety of hotels and apartments available.

[62] Amathus is an ancient city-kingdom, located about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) east of Limassol, dating back to 1100 BC, with 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.

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 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 castle played a significant role in the production of sugar from local sugarcane and is also associated with the famous Commandaria wine.

[70][71] The Archaeological Museum offers 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.

[72][73][74] Since 2024 the non-profit PSI Foundation established in an old carob warehouse located in the industrial area of Limassol hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary art as well as history of Cyprus.

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 Limassol Carnival, a ten-day event filled with joyful and amusing masquerades, has ancient roots tracing back to pagan rituals.

The Grand Carnival parade on Makariou Avenue attracts large crowds from across the island, who come to watch the floats, serenades, and various masqueraded groups.

[82] In early October, the grand Wine Festival of Cyprus takes place in the Limassol Public Gardens, running every evening from 08:00 to 23:00.

The festival is free to enter, with beers sold at low prices and a mix of international music providing the soundtrack.

The Apollon Limassol Basketball Stadium, hosted the 2003 FIBA Europe South Regional Challenge Cup Final Four.

As of 2024[update], its network consists of around 53 bus lines, spanning the Limassol district, making up a fleet of approximately 150 buses, 35 of which are electric.

The summit's agenda included topics such as the EU's multi-annual financial framework for the period 2014–2020 and the preparation for the 2014 European elections.

[89] Notably, Andreas Christou, an AKEL member, was re-elected mayor of Limassol in December 2011 to serve his second five-year term.