Limassol Archaeological Museum, Limassol

Just behind Limassol Municipal Gardens is the city's archaeological museum which houses an interesting collection of antiquities found in the Limassol area that date from the Neolithic Age up to the Roman period. Room One contains Neolithic tools and pottery that were excavated at Kourion and Amathus, as well as the city itself. It's a mind-boggling display of Cyprus' vast history covering a huge time span from 3000 BCE to 1300 CE. Room Two holds artifacts from the Greco-Roman era including a stunning bronze bull and some delicate figurines, while Room Three contains some of the most important finds from the local area, including statues of the Egyptian god Bes and the goddess Artemis unearthed at Amathus. Outside, within the pleasant garden, is a sundial, which was once owned by Lord Kitchener.

The Lemesos (Limassol) District Archaeological Museum houses a rich and notable collection of antiquities from the Neolithic age to the Roman period, originating from excavations at various archaeological sites in the Lemesos region. The exhibits are housed in three rooms and are divided into three main categories. The first room contains pottery from different historical periods; the middle room exhibits coins, jewellery, lamps and a variety of copper tools and objects, whilst the third presents sculptures, tombstones, capitals, inscriptions and other marble and limestone artefacts. A variety of objects related to the cult of Aphrodite - such as fertility and other votive offerings and female terracotta figurines – are also included in the exhibits. The museum is linked with the Aphrodite Cultural Route.

The museum displays a rich and notable collection of antiquities from the earliest phases of the history of Cyprus to the Roman period, originating from systematic and rescue excavations in the Lemesos region. It often hosts temporary thematic exhibitions of archaeological or contemporary interest. The Limassol District Archaeological Museum was founded in 1948 and was initially housed in a section of the Limassol Castle. During the conflicts of 1964 it remained closed as it was handed over to the National Guard. Construction activities for the new modern Museum began in 1972. The new exhibition was organised in March 1975, under extremely difficult circumstances related to the recent Turkish invasion of the island. The Museum houses antiquities that cover the development of civilisation on the island from the 9th millennium to the end of the Roman period. The finds are the result of systematic and rescue excavations of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus and of the foreign Archaeological Missions in the city and the district of Limassol as well. The building consists of two long rooms joined together by two transversal spaces. Artifacts that date from the earlier phases of the history of Cyprus such as the pygmy elephant and pygmy hippopotamus found at the Pre-neolithic site of Akrotiri-Aetokremmos are on display in the first part of the left Room. Finds are also on display which date from the Aceramic Neolithic I period up to the Late Bronze Age. These objects were unearthed from some very important sites such as Chillourokampos in Parekklisia, Sotira, Erimi-Pampoula but also from the city of Lemesos and its neighbouring villages. From the Late Bronze Age onwards the commercial contacts and the establishment in Cyprus of settlers from the Aegean contributed to the close contacts between the island and the Mediterranean world. These close contacts can be acknowledged with the imported Mycenaean vessels, which are exhibited in the Museum alongside the locally produced vessels.

The Limassol Archaeological Museum is a captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Cyprus. Located in the heart of Limassol, this museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period, spanning over 9,000 years of human civilization. Visitors can explore the museum's well-curated exhibits, which include pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and tools, providing a fascinating insight into the lives of ancient Cypriots. The museum's highlight is undoubtedly its collection of ancient artifacts from the city of Kourion, an important ancient city-kingdom that flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Among the notable exhibits are intricate mosaics, beautifully preserved statues, and a range of everyday objects that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who once inhabited this ancient city. With its informative displays and engaging exhibits, the Limassol Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in uncovering the captivating past of Cyprus. ***PH***