Located next to the Medieval Castle near Limassol’s Old Port, the complex is a stunning collection of renovated buildings, blending some of the latest technology with elements of traditional Cypriot industry to create a fascinating place to visit.
Originally constructed as warehouses, the buildings later became a carob mill and played an important part in what was once one of the island’s most important export industries. It is easy to forget what a major part carobs played in the Cypriot economy. Used in a variety of products and known locally as “Black Gold”, carobs were of huge importance to the local economy and provided a great deal of income through exports. In the Limassol Carob Mill, carobs would be collected, ground and separated into their various sub-products before being transported by donkey to the nearby port and exported to countries all over the globe, including England, Egypt and Russia.
As times changed and the exports of carob products decreased, the buildings came to be used as a storage place for fertilizers. In recent years, it became evident that this was a less than appropriate use for such elegant and historic buildings, so NP Lanitis Entertainment Ltd. took the decision to turn the 3,000 esq. building into a multi-purpose venue which could be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Work continued on the buildings, with careful consideration paid at all times to retaining the traditional feel and character of the interior and exterior architecture. The end result is a selection of vast buildings, all beautifully restored and adapted for modern uses.
Combining restaurants, cafes, shops, traditional machinery and the unique, state-of-the-art ‘Time Elevator Cyprus’, today’s Carob Mill has much to offer.
Karatello is a Cypriot restaurant where visitors can enjoy authentic, traditional local dishes with recipes that have been passed down through the generations as well as modern Cypriot cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy local, hand-made sweets. Artima is an Italian Mediterranean restaurant that serves regional fish and meat dishes in a stylish atmosphere.
For those looking to enjoy something a little lighter than a full meal, Stretto and the Mill Cafe offer a variety of drinks and light refreshments, either local or international, all contained within a comfortable and inviting environment.
The Mill Cafe offers a unique ambience, located next to renovated Carob Mill machinery which is still in place from the days when the buildings housed a thriving export business. A fascinating mechanical structure dating from the 19th Century, the Carob Mill grinding machines are a collection of pulleys, buckets and conveyors, which make for a most unorthodox backdrop whilst you enjoy your coffee.
A handicraft shop is also located within the complex, selling many examples of local, hand-made goods including icons, pottery, wood-carvings, ceramics and much more. The northern section of the Mill houses the Evagoras Lanitis Centre which, in cooperation with the Laiki Group, feature exhibitions on the cultural achievements of Man.
Read more about The Limassol Carob Mill at: Limassol Carob Mill (2)