Sights in Lemesos (Limasol)
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Lemesos Medieval Castle
The city's most popular tourist attraction is Lemesos Medieval Castle, and its alluring gardens, on the west side of the Old City, are a shady haven in the summer heat. The structure, built in the 14th century over the remains of a Byzantine castle, has been used and plundered by many throughout Cyprus' exciting history. The Venetians vandalised it; the Ottomans gave it a face-lift for military use; and the Brits used it as a prison during their colonial rule. Inside is the Lemesos Medieval Museum, this building is an intriguing collection of vaults and air shafts, and its artefacts, transferred from the original Lefkosia Medieval Museum in 1974, are often fascinating.
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B
Archaeological Museum
The city's Archaeological Museum has a largish collection of pottery, and a collection of items dating from Neolithic and Chalcolithic times (primarily of shards and implements for domestic use) through to Mycenaean pottery. A multitude of terracotta figures exhibited are thought to be the remains of votive offerings. There is a display of classical pottery, jewellery and oil lamps, as well as curiously modern-looking glass bottles and vials.
Although it pales in comparison to Lefkosia's Cyprus Museum, it's worth a browse; and if you've been doing nothing but sunbathing and clubbing for a week, the museum offers a nice, refreshing change of scene.
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C
Bear Factory
Nothing to do with either the sea or Cyprus, but always guaranteed to make the little ones drool, are teddy bears. And here, at the Bear Factory, children can choose the kind of teddy bear they want.
They can choose the 'skin' or the softness of the material, how hard or soft the bear's 'insides' are, and even a 'heart'. Oh, and they can implant sound devices too. Then they get to choose its name, and watch it being sewn up, so they can feel the bear is truly their creation. And they get to take it away in its very own box, with, wait for it, a birth certificate! (Parents note: all major credit cards are accepted, so no wrangling.)
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Time Elevator
You'll see lots of advertisements for the Time Elevator in Lemesos, which is slightly worrying, but also symptomatic of the kind of lightweight approach to the island's history and culture by many a package tourist, at whom this kind of thing is ultimately aimed. But the history of Cyprus, from 8500 BC to AD 1974 compressed into 40 minutes, is great if you're trying to force some history on your kids.
You get water, wind and lots of jostling, so much so that it's recommended that pregnant women and sufferers of motion sickness should watch the show from static seats. Shows start on the hour.
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D
Grand Mosque
Set in the midst of the old Turkish quarter, the Grand Mosque is surrounded by palms almost as tall as its minaret. It is used by the remaining Turkish Cypriot population and Muslims from the Middle East who live in Lemesos. As with any mosque, visitors are requested to dress conservatively, leave shoes by the door and avoid visiting at prayer times. There are no fixed opening hours as such - if the gate is open, step inside the courtyard and take a look.
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E
Hammam
The tiny Hammam is near the mosque. It isn't really a tourist site, and visitors are not encouraged to go in and 'have a look', since many count on privacy when going in for a steam bath. Don't go there expecting any luxury; it's a back-to-basics place where people go to relax. Keep in mind that all sessions are mixed. Also on offer are full-body massages, shiatsu, Swedish massage, Indian head massage, and anti-stress massages.
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Folk Art Museum
The somewhat mediocre Folk Art Museum is housed in an old mansion, not far from the city centre. It displays woodwork, traditional dress, jewellery and household utensils. There is a guidebook for sale at the ticket desk, which is the only thing that explains what you're looking at.
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F
Reptile House
If your boys and girls like blood and gore, you may like to take them to the Reptile House. Located on the roundabout in the Old Fishing Harbour, many thick-skinned creatures are kept here, and squeaking mice are fed to snakes for dinner.
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G
Lemesos Mini Zoo
Good for kiddies, although slightly small is the Lemesos Mini Zoo, which has not much more than a sweaty giraffe and some cheeky cheetahs.
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