Heading westward today, and to the mountains of Cyprus, but first we see three sights along the way.
Kamares Aqueduct, with its 75 arches, is just outside Larnaca, near the old road to Limassol. It was completed in 1750 and in operation until 1939.
Our rental keeps us going - all rentals in Cyprus have this red colored plated - drive to the left and watch out!
Now in Limassol...
"Limassol is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus and its second-largest urban area after the capital Nicosia.
Limassol was built between two ancient Greek cities, Amathus and Curium (also known as Kourion). Its historical center is located around its medieval Limassol Castle and the Old Port.
In 2014, Limassol was ranked by TripAdvisor as the 3rd most up-and-coming destination in the world, in its Top 10 Traveler's Choice Destinations on the Rise list. The city is also ranked 89th worldwide in Mercer's Quality of Living Survey (2017)." (not sure where it stands now, maybe similar, Wikipedia needs some updating here)
"Limassol is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus and its second-largest urban area after the capital Nicosia.
Limassol was built between two ancient Greek cities, Amathus and Curium (also known as Kourion). Its historical center is located around its medieval Limassol Castle and the Old Port.
In 2014, Limassol was ranked by TripAdvisor as the 3rd most up-and-coming destination in the world, in its Top 10 Traveler's Choice Destinations on the Rise list. The city is also ranked 89th worldwide in Mercer's Quality of Living Survey (2017)." (not sure where it stands now, maybe similar, Wikipedia needs some updating here)
 | "Of all the door stoop choices, I choose you..."  |  |
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"Archaeological investigation within the castle revealed that it was built over an Early Christian basilica (4–7th century CE) and a Middle Byzantine monument (10th–11th century CE). The first official reference to the fort dates to 1228 CE, during the involvement of Frederic II of Germany in the affairs of Cyprus. From its erection until the beginning of the 16th century, damages were caused by the continuous attacks of the town by the Genoese and the Mameluks as well as by earthquakes alternating with restorations and reconstructions."
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Ayia Napa Church
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Feeling a bit hungry...
 |  To the food market, in the old market building...pizza and dumplings. |
Feeling a need to tour some ruins...
"The archaeological remains of Kourion - which was one of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity, dating from around the 5th-4th centuries BC - are of the most impressive on the island, and excavations have unearthed many significant finds, which can be viewed at the site.
The city-kingdom was built on the hills of the area, and overlooked and controlled the fertile valley of the river Kouris. According to archaeological finds, evidence suggests that Kourion was associated with the Greek legend of Argos of Peloponnese, and that its inhabitants believed they were descendents of Argean immigrants. The once-flourishing kingdom was put in decline with a severe earthquake in 365 AD.
The magnificent Greco-Roman theater - the site’s centrepiece - was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. The theater has been restored, and is now used for open-air musical and theatrical performances - mainly during the summer months."
The city-kingdom was built on the hills of the area, and overlooked and controlled the fertile valley of the river Kouris. According to archaeological finds, evidence suggests that Kourion was associated with the Greek legend of Argos of Peloponnese, and that its inhabitants believed they were descendents of Argean immigrants. The once-flourishing kingdom was put in decline with a severe earthquake in 365 AD.
The magnificent Greco-Roman theater - the site’s centrepiece - was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. The theater has been restored, and is now used for open-air musical and theatrical performances - mainly during the summer months."
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 Archeologists determined the fragments here say this. |  |
The city certainly had some awesome views of the Med...and the coast of Cyprus.
Looking down on the coastal plains, farm fields right behind the day resorts, with undulating cliffs off into the distance...
Sea breezes push the branches toward the island's center...
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The baths...
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We see marble cladding still clinging to some walls...2,000 years later.
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A 6-sided pool, adjacent to the spa baths...fancy.
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Spaghetti is served by Chef Gerri in our near-mountaintop AirBnB - eggplant and mushroom.
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