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Information for Cyprus Expats on Limassol, the business centre of Cyprus
History
The city of Limassol is situated between the ancient cities of Amathous to the east and Kourion to the west. Limassol was inhabited since the very ancient years and tombs discovered there date back to around the 2nd century B.C., while others date back to around the 8th and 4th centuries B.C. The few ancient finds that were discovered show that a small settlement existed there which did not manage to develop and flourish.
The city, in the 10th century, was known as Nemesos and the Byzantine emperor, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, refers to this city with this name.
The history of the city is mainly known for its events in 1191 A.D., which marked the end of the Byzantine Rule in Cyprus. The king of England, Richard the Lionheart, foresaw the strategic importance of Cyprus as a base for supplying the forces taking part in the Third Crusade and conquered the island. Richard celebrated his marriage to Berengaria in Limassol where the latter was crowned Queen of England. And that is how the Byzantine Rule in Cyprus came to an end.
Limassol was then surrendered to the Frankish Empire of the Lusignan Kings of the medieval Cypriot kingdom. For about three centuries (1192-1489), Limassol experienced a remarkable period of prosperity. In 1489 A.D., the Queen of Cyprus, Ekaterini Cornaro, surrendered Cyprus to the city of Venice. This lasted until the Turkish Occupation took place in 1570 A.D. Then the British conquered Cyprus in 1878, while in 1960 significant changes followed the liberation of Cyprus, which contributed to the cultural and artistic life of the city. Schools, theatres, art galleries, music halls and football clubs were formed and played a significant role in the cultural life of Limassol.
The city of Limassol was developed much after the Turkish invasion of 1974, when Famagusta, one of the most touristic areas of Cyprus was captured by the Turkish armies. Luxurious hotels, restaurants and numerous entertainment clubs were built and thus the city soon became a significant touristic centre.
The District
Limassol is the second largest city of Cyprus with a population of approximately 180,000. It is one of six districts and covers an area of 34.87 square kilometers. Located on the southern coast, Limassol stretches around westward to the Paphos district, bordering with the district of Larnaca on the east and with Nicosia on the north.
In addition to the recognized popularity as a tourism destination, Limassol is also an administrative and business centre, a port, a resort, the centre of the wine industry and home to many archeological sites.
The vivacious city centre, seems to offer a journey through time where the University with its bustling young students aiming for a brighter future is just a few streets away from the old market and ancient castle which link us to the past. Gracefully blending old with new continues, as across the seafront one can appreciate the cosmopolitan side of Limassol with its contemporary business structures and modern apartment buildings while only several kilometers away one can find charming areas with cobblestone streets, quaint buildings with overhanging terraces under which there are a profusion of small shops, restaurants and cafes.
Where to stay
Limassol provides every type of accommodation to suit a wide variety of tastes and budgets. Hotels operate all year round and the majority of the 4 and 5 star hotels in Cyprus are found in Limassol. Other than the luxurious hotels on the beach with every amenity, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Wi-Fi services, health centers and spas for the most discerning guests, private villas with pools and self-catering apartments are available for those who prefer independent flexibility. Small hotels and accommodations in villages provide yet another option for those who favour tranquility and the picturesque.
Many hotels have exceptional conference facilities equipped with advanced technologies and associated with professionals who can organize every last detail to ensure a successful business event or private function. What more magical place to plan a wedding than the birthplace of the goddess of love.
No matter what the preference, Limassol with its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere is the ideal quality destination outfitted to suit all needs.
Business in Limassol
Cyprus has emerged as an ideal location for International Businesses, mostly due to the ample benefits it offers to companies desiring to expand their activities. A full member of the European Union since 2004, Cyprus provides world-class services and excellent infrastructure that help facilitate the growth of International Businesses.
Over the years, Cyprus has attracted a substantial number of international companies due to the favourable business conditions the island provides. The lowest corporate tax rate in the EU, the wide range of double taxation treaties, the sophisticated financial services and the strategic geographical location at the crossroads of three continents are further reasons Cyprus has become a reputable international business centre. Additionally, the multi-lingual and highly educated workforce and the abundance of well trained financial, legal and IT consultants allow businesses to flourish.
With its high living standard, superb communication system, advanced transport and mild climate, Cyprus excels as a prime business location and continues to register close to twenty five thousand companies per year. The ‘one-stop-shop’ for International Businesses serves as an important hub for investors in central and eastern Europe and has become the perfect bridge to the Middle East.
Conferences in Limassol
The ideal destination for Conferences & Incentives
As the easternmost country of the European Union and at the crossroads of three continents, Cyprus is a perfect place for conferences, exhibitions, corporate events and incentive travel programmes.
Other than its convenient geographical position, the exquisite natural beauty and enviable climate make the Limassol region a welcoming choice. In addition to the conference centres, many four and five star hotels along the beach provide a range of purpose-built facilities catering for all types of meetings, from small seminars of just a few people to full-scale conventions of over a thousand. The city’s sophisticated infrastructure, well equipped facilities, advanced telecommunications and IT services and safe environment all assist to create a favourable framework for any international conference or meeting.
A large number of destination management companies, with many years of experience in organising and managing conferences and incentive travel programmes can ensure that everything goes smoothly for your event, from providing transport, to setting up audiovisual equipment, organising tailor made excursions and themed dinners, or hiring translators and interpreters.
As an all year round holiday destination, mixing business with pleasure is simple. Along a 15 km coastline catering to sun-lovers and water sport enthusiasts, spreads a cosmopolitan tourist city with all types of holiday accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to apartments and villas. Near them is a wide range of restaurants, clubs, pubs and nightclubs. The city's carefree holiday atmosphere, with wide seafront promenade and bustling streets, is matched by the friendly and lively character of its people. There is much to do and see, all within short distances. With 10,000 years of history there are many archaeological sites and museums to visit. As a shopping centre Limassol offers the full gamut from ultra-modern to traditional and handmade. Known for their vineyards, spectacular wine tours of mountainous villages as well as nature trails, Byzantine church routes and excursions are available to those who wish to capture a genuine taste of nature and tradition.
The city is also perfect for incentive travel programmes with a wide variety of activities that include enjoying the sun and sea in one of the numerous beaches, water sports or diving in the clear Mediterranean waters, revitalizing therapies at the available Spa centres, visits to archaeological sites and museums, enjoying a wine tour of mountain villages, walking into unspoiled countryside, watching cultural and athletic events, or even attending a tailored theme dinner, a game or tournament of golf, a cruise or treasure hunt especially designed for the participants.
© Limassol Tourism Development & Promotion Co Ltd
A Cyprus Expat Information Article. If you are a professional or an entity, and would like to write articles for our website, please contact us here
Updated 02 May 2012
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