Makarios Avenue is today one of the most significant spots in the city, with intense business life, building complexes, cafeterias and a vibrant cosmopolitan energy. The same road, however, half a century ago, didn’t reflect the image it has today at all, since it had the role of a regional road, being nothing else but empty fields.
In those years, it was no surprise to often meet camels and donkeys, as they were carrying goods such as grain, carobs, wine, oil, fruit and vegetables, firewood and building materials. After all, in the 1950’s the city didn’t extend beyond that area, as Limassol actually stopped under that street.
Later, from the mid 1950’s to the early 1960’s, the city began to expand mainly to the north and to develop. Thus, the area began to slowly change its image and be transformed. At the same time the first houses – mostly of the richest people of the society – were built and the roundabout of Saint Nicholas formed.
Also, when Laniteio School was transferred to the area, the traffic grew considerably and the road was filled with the students who were going at school with their bikes. Additionally, for many years, the Avenue was a key part of the route that followed the Rally of Cyprus, with the racing cars crossing it and the crowd watching the race with enthusiasm.
From the 1970’s and afterwards, the general traffic on the streets gradually began to grow, with cars moving and their number increasing, while it began to host the Grand Carnival Parade of the city. In that way, the image of Makarios Avenue with the camels and the donkeys remained in the past, leaving in its place a more modern and cosmopolitan version.
Information: Titos Kolotas
Photos: Limassol Historical Archive, Lemesou Mnimes, Sky Art
1950s - Agios Nikolas roundabout
1950s
1960s
1960s
1960s - Fire station area
1970s
Rally Cyprus at Limassol
2017 - The grand carnival parade at Makarios Avenue
Makarios Avenue in the recent years
