Cyprus city of Limassol - part 2

East of Lemesos is Amathous, according to Mythology Greek hero Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne to be attended by the local women. Archaeological finds originate from several tombs, one of which was found in the front entrance of a present Amathus Hotel landmark of Lemesos city.

North of Lemesos there is Kouris valley, about 20 minutes drive. It has a number of important Byzantine monuments such as the 12th century church of the Monastery of Panagia Amasgou, the church of Timios Stavros, village and church of Archangelos at Monagri. They were built during 12th -16th centuries and nowadays are function as convents. Also worth visiting in the area is the picturesque village of Laneia, beloved village of artists.

The village of Fasoula dates back to the Middle ages and is depicted on old maps of Cyprus with the name Fasula or Phasula. The most likely origin of the name is that it comes from the Frankish word Fasula meaning scythe, the tool for harvesting. The Agricultural museum is in a traditional house and contains tools, earthenware, jars of everyday use and storing wine or olive oil.

Lemesos north area is also well known for the Krassochoria (Wine villages). They are located on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range. Traditional forms of viticulture are still kept alive in these villages. Wine production is still the main occupation for most of the inhabitants. The area villages house various local wine museums, well worth visit. This is the area which produces the island’s renowned dry red wine. The area is best reached from the Lemesos-Paphos road, turning right after Erimi village.
Among The most important wine villages is Koilani, Omodos, Arsos, Foini, Vasa.

Koilani is an attractive wine-producing village. On the outskirts of the village sits the single-aisled vaulted church of Agia Mavri dating to the 12th century, with wall paintings from the 15th century. The Koilani Ecclesiastical Museum was created by the Holy Bishopric of Lemesos as a district branch of the larger Byzantine Museum being planned in the city itself. It houses a collection of icons and ecclesiastical objects from the parish. The museum occupies a two room building in the courtyard of Panayia Eleousa church. The exhibits span a period of about seven centuries and include pieces of an iconostasis from 1735, icons dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries, sacred vessels and old books.