Up until the 1960s, when the area of Makarios Avenue was still considered a suburb of Limassol, the streets of Anexartisias and Gladstonos were the city’s main hub of activity. One important contributing factor to this was the operation of the popular hotel Astir, located opposite the District Administration building.
Astir Hotel enjoyed its glory days towards the end of the 1960s and all through the ‘70s. It made use of the roof on its multi-story building to create a roof garden (to which a swimming pool was later added), a true innovation at the time which offered panoramic views of Limassol.
Many locals still have fond memories of nights out at Astir, as it was one of the most popular venues for weddings, carnival parties, live music nights and even fashion shows.
The views from the hotel's roof garden. (Photo: Limassol Historical Archives)
The view to Aneksartisias street from the hotel. (Photo: Limassol Historical Archives)
The band in the roof garden. (Photo: Evangelos Evangelou)
The hotel band during a party. (Photo: Costas Phylactou)
From the parties in the hotel. (Photo: Antonis Morfitis)
Peoples’ fondness for the venue eventually led to the expansion of the hotel premises. In the 1980s, the beach hotels of Limassol took over in popularity. Focus shifted to the coastal areas, and Astir gradually began to lose its glamor.
The hotel had a central presence in national celebrations, too. (Photo: Limassol Historical Archives)
Photo: Limassol Historical Archives
Students' parade in front of the hotel. (Photo: Stelios Stylianou)
During a carnival parade in Aneksartisias Street. (Photo: Andreas Hadjioannou)
The majestic building of the hotel in Aneksartisias street. (Photo: Limassol Historical Archives)
Aneksartisias street now, with the building of the former hotel on the right.
It was left unused for quite a long time, before it was finally turned into student dormitories, with shops on the ground floor.
* NOTE: The tributes of the Project "History of Limassol" present information that has emerged from historical research thus far. Any new data is embedded into the tributes, once it has been confirmed.Today, the outdoor café in the District Administration square which shares a name with Astir acts as a reminder of the hotel’s legacy.
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