Limassol has always attracted visitors, both local and international, and as such, the hotel industry has proven over the years to be a point of reference for the city.
Throughout the industry’s evolution and expansion, however, many hotels that were once considered to be Limassol landmarks, welcoming thousands of visitors, were torn down, or the buildings they were housed in repurposed. Nevertheless, the names of these former hotels remain firmly etched in Limassol’s history.
A look back at the Limassol hotels that have vanished forever offers a snapshot into the city’s past:
During the first years of British rule, Giorgos B. Kyriakos decided to invest the money he had earned abroad to realize his vision of a modern, luxury hotel in the city. And so, the first hotel in Limassol, symbolically named ‘Europe,’ was constructed in the area known today as Enaerios. Unfortunately, the hotel’s existence was short-lived, as it was unable to function as a viable business, and shut its doors in 1900.
This hotel operated from the 1930s, until the mid ‘90s. The Limassol Palace Hotel was owned by Yangos Hadjisoteriou, a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages. It was considered to be a jewel on the Limassol seafront, thanks to the unique, triangular pediment on the rooftop, and its stained-glass, arched windows. The building, which was located on the same street as the Agia Napa church, was finally demolished and today is used as a parking area.
Originally built to serve as the Whitfied Residence, in 1920 it was sold to the Kition Bishopric. A few years later, the building was rented by G. Ioannides, who turned it into the ‘Vienna’ Hotel. By the 1930s, however, the ownership of the hotel is passed back to Christos Mylonas, who renamed it the ‘Continental.’ The hotel became one of the most famous buildings in the city, and the new owner successfully operated the business until 1974. Today, following its complete restoration and utilization by the CUT, it remains one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
Though originally built as a residence, this property evolved into one of the first hotels in the city. The 2-storey mansion on St. Andrew's Street was constructed during the 1920s by Theodoros Chrysostomides. The Hotel ‘Hellas’ was a folksy hotel, but managed to stand out due to its elaborate décor, arched windows, elliptical balconies and symmetrical distribution of doors and windows. Its imposing façade continues to adorn the area, thanks to its complete restoration.
One of the most modern hotels in Limassol, which remained in operation until the 1990s, Astir was located on Anexartisias street. It was a popular destination for parties and dances, and it even had a roof garden with a pool. It ceased operating after approximately 4 decades, but the building still stands to this day, housing retail shops on the ground floor and residences on the top floors.
Photos: Limassol Historical Archive
* 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.
