
Πύλη Αμμοχώστου – Επαρχία Λευκωσίας

Παραλιακό μέτωπο – Επαρχία Λεμεσού

Λίμνη Αλυκής – Επαρχία Λάρνακας

Πέτρα του Ρωμιού – Επαρχία Πάφου

Παραλία Πόλης Αμμοχώστου - Επαρχία Αμμοχώστου

Κάστρο της Κερύνειας – Επαρχία Κερύνειας

Agios Athanasios
42 Stavraetou Machera Str.
4104 Agios Athanasios
Cyprus
Mayor: Marinos Kyriakou
Tel.: +357 25724135
Fax: +357 25725010
Email: demos.agios.athanasios@cytanet.com.cy
Website: www.agiosathanasios.org.cy
Agios Athanasios is located 3km north-east of Limassol, built in a small valley with hills, in an open sea-view location of Limassol which extends to the sea side. It was named after Saint Athanasios, the patron saint of the community.
Based on archeological findings in the area, the origins of its inhabitants trace back to the late Bronze Age. What started out to be a small rural community between the early and mid-21st century, it later turned into a small village with a population of 400 inhabitants. The population of the Municipality has been more than doubled after the Turkish invasion of 1974, with the establishment of two refugee settlements in the area, hosting about 6000 refugees, most of whom were the families of missing persons. Thus, Agios Athanasios rightfully came to be considered as “The refugee capital”.
During the same year, the community has been upgraded to an Improvement Board and pursuant to a referendum, to a Municipality in May 1986. Agios Athanasios was, thus, making its first steps towards administrative autonomy.
Agios Athanasios is a compound area, where the ancient and contemporary elements blend, where the urban and rural elements are combined, where the industrial and educational elements meet. It is a small developing town, which beautifully combines the advantages of an old traditional village and the comforts of a modern town. The core of the old village remains alive, co-existing with the new neighborhoods. Hotels, tourist apartments, tourist and other businesses, services and shops are located in the southeast coastal side of the town. Within the boundaries of the Municipality there is an Industrial Estate mainly for light industry and manufacturing.
Fifty years ago, it was a small rural community with a poor agricultural productivity and the largest part of its soil was infertile and rocky; only a few families had enough income. That is why most young people followed the road of “living abroad” in search of a better ≪life chances≫ as Weber would argue. The residents were mostly preoccupied with agriculture and livestock farming, cultivated cereals and had a lot of locust trees. The area was offered for livestock farming and most residents in the area had goat and sheep herds. Many residents dealt with the extraction of plaster stone and the well-known matsaggana stone, which was used for building houses and churches. Another group of residents dealt with the construction of lime and in the area there used to be a great number of quarries and many lime kilms. Also, many residents were lumberjacks and supplied the town of Limassol with firewood. After the Turkish invasion, Agios Athanasios is undergoing an enormous constructural, industrial, tourist and economic development whilst today the population reaches approximately 15.000 residents.
Agios Athanasios is today one of the most developing areas of Limassol where many people choose to live.
The existence of the Agios Athanasios and Kyrillos church back to the 17th century is evidence of the continuous presence of people in the area to this day whilst the presence of Panagia Sfalaggiotissa Monastery back to 1574, shows that the area was considered to be safe for worshipping.
Churches in Agios Athanasios:
The Holy Monastery of Panagia Sfalaggiotissa (1574), The church of Agios Athanasios and Kyrillos (1600). The Chruch of Saint Minas (1900), The church of Saint George Frangoudis (1990), The Church of Saint Kosmas Aitolos (2011), The Church of Saint Stylianos located in the refugee settlement in Linopetra (1993), The Church of Apostle Loucas, Saint Marina and Saint Thirsos in the refuge settlement of Agios Athanasios (2006), the Coptic Orthodox Church (2000).
The following are considered points of reference of the 30-year history of the municipality:
- The Town Hall constructed in 1995 in the periphery of the old traditional village core, which houses on the first floor the Municipal Theatre/ Cultural Events Hall for 500 people and serves the major city of Limassol. The whole building is a sample of modern infrastructure in the municipality.
- The Municipal Cultural Centre a traditional more than hundred years old stone-built building which used to be the primary school in the old days. This has been renovated and restored under the guidance of the Governmental Planning and Housing Department and it is currently hosting cultural events, civil marriages, exhibitions, conferences etc.).
- The upgrading of the central Square, the focus point of Agios Athanasios. It’s a project about upgrading the central area of Agios Athanasios Municipality, mainly the area adjacent to the Town Hall, executed in three phases. The main objectives of the project provided for the construction of a new road that would run along the east side of the Town Hall, and diverts the traffic to the side of the building, so that the area is a car free zone for people to enjoy since the creation of the square became possible and transformed a space into a place of recreation and relaxation, for entertainment, for social and cultural gatherings and outdoor activities. Some of the buildings facing the square were refurbished and housed a variety of uses like municipal library, cafeteria, kiosk, youth center, learning center for foreign languages, etc.
The project also included the design of sport activities area and numerous parking spaces, children’s playground whilst open spaces were landscaped in a way that protect, maintain and preserve the natural environment. - The Municipal Folklore Museum – “Co-Op Bank (SPE) of Agios Athanasios Museum”. The mansion of the Sofroniou family in the core of the traditional village of Agios Athanasios has been restored in order to be converted on a second phase into the “Municipal Museum of Living History – SPE of Agios Athanasios Museum”. The project was fully funded by the Cooperative Savings Bank of Limassol.
The whole structure consists of several buildings with outstanding traditional features which have been restored to their former glory and became one of the most beautiful examples of traditional architecture.
In the southeastern side of the property, the building was used by Co-Op Bank (SPE) of Agios Athanasios, in its founding years of August 1929 until 1977. The owner of the property Georgios Sofroniou the mouktar of Agios Athanasios has also been the secretary of the Committee of SPE of Agios Athanasios for several years. This is why a specific part of the Museum will house the Museum of SPE of Agios Athanasios. - Co-Op Bank (SPE) of Agios Athanasios
1929 has been a remarkable year for Agios Athanasios history since 12 visionary habitants took the historical decision of establishing the Co-Op Bank (SPE) of Agios Athanasios which contributed to the changing of the financial history as well as to promoting the enormous development of the community throughout the years.
It was in January the 9th, 2009 when SPE was eventually consolidated with the Cooperative Savings Bank of Limassol after an 80year of valuable and continuous contribution to Agios Athanasios community and its people.
SPE has been for decades the financial sponsor of the community in the older years and of the municipality in the years that followed. It kept on supporting on a systematic basis all charity, sportive and cultural events organized by sundry groups of the community.
During the 80 years of its historical existence, Co-Op Bank (SPE) of Agios Athanasios, has always been an example of a reliable bank institution, due to its continuous compliance with all financial rules, terms and regulations. Within the frame of the consolidation procedure with the Co-operative Savings Bank of Limassol, a reserve of €4,5 million was handed over to the new organization.
No doubt SPE of Agios Athanasios is part of the history of Agios Athanasios.
The present text is a modified version from the chapters of the Book “AGIOS ATHANASIOS In the years gone by… in the years to come…” edited by M.A. Sophocleous and Published by the Municipality of Agios Athanasios.

Germasogeia
74 Agias Paraskevis Str.
P.O.Box: 4044
Lemesos, Cyprus
Mayor: Kyriakos Xidias
Tel.: +357 25879898, +357 25879899
Fax: +357 25873434
Email: yermasoyia.municipality@cytanet.com.cy
Website: www.yermasoyiamunicipality.org.cy
Yermasoyia is a suburb of Limassol which was made a municipality in 1994. It borders with the Municipalities of Limassol and Ayios Athanasios and with the Community Boards of Moutayiaka, Akrounta and Finikaria. Its name derives from the words iera (sacred), as it includes many temples, and Mesoyia (Mediterranean), since the village is found at a close distance from the sea.
Archaeological excavations led to the discovery of a large number of prehistoric tombs, but no evidence proving the existence of a settlement was found. Therefore, the year of foundation of the early settlement remains unknown. The first written testimonies coming from the Medieval Period, mention that the area was under the rule of the Knights Templar (12th century AD). The growing of citrus trees, and agriculture and farming in general, were the main occupations of the inhabitants of Yermasoyia.
Today, the Yermasoyia Municipality consists of two parishes; the village of Yermasoyia – the municipality’s historic centre – and Potamos Yermasoyias, as it is characteristically called, which includes the Yermasoyia tourist area. The first houses on the Yermasoyia beach front were built in 1960 and that was also when a steady residential growth was first observed. This steady growth was transformed into a rapid residential and, mostly, tourist growth after the Turkish invasion in 1974. Yermasoyia welcomed the settlement of a large number of refugees, a fact that contributed in the vast expansion of its population. This expansion which was also extended in the mainland, along with the construction of several hotels, resulted in transforming Yermasoyia into an important tourist centre. At the same time, there was notable development in the entertainment sector with the operation of new cafeterias, night clubs and various other tourist businesses. According to the 2011 census, Yermasoyia has a population of 13,421.
Old Yermasoyia, the village, is reasonably the historic centre of the Yermasoyia Municipality, given that this is where an organised society first began to develop in Early Christianity. In spite of the ravages of time on the face of the historic centre, this continues to preserve the main characteristics of a traditional Cypriot settlement with stone-walled houses and narrow uphill streets composing its picturesque setting. There, one can visit the churches of Ayia Paraskevi and Ayia Hristini, the Municipality’s Cultural Centre and enjoy the hospitality of the traditional kafenia (coffee shops) while drinking a Cyprus coffee.
The church of Ayia Hristini is the most ancient among the ones found within the borders of the Municipality of Yermasoyia. It was presumably built in the 12th century AD, while the murals in its interior date back to the 15th century AD. Today the church operates as an ecclesiastical museum and it is one of the ancient monuments found under the protection of the Department of Antiquities. In 1996 the Department of Antiquities in collaboration with the Municipality of Yermasoyia initiated the works for the maintenance and restoration of the church.
The construction of Ayia Paraskevi church began in 1898. This is a stony church in perfect harmony with the surrounding scenery of the historic centre. Ayia Paraskevi is a single-ailed basilica with strong gothic style elements; it is dedicated to the patron saint of Yermasoyia, Ayia Paraskevi, celebrated on 26 July.
An old 1914 farmhouse, next to Ayia Paraskevi church, now hosts the Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Yermasoyia. It is a typical house of that period, built of stones, soil and wood. This monument is also under the protection of the Department of Antiquities, and after the maintenance and restoration performed, is now housing the Municipal Cultural Centre. Among the restored spaces and those created at a later stage are: the Municipal Council meeting room, which is available for the organisation of events such as lectures and seminars; the exhibition hall which is adapted to host photo, art, book and other exhibitions; a hall decorated with traditional embroideries from all over Cyprus for the conduction of civil weddings; and finally, an inner courtyard with a traditional oven, a stone fountain and a stable, which is now used for wedding receptions and many other events. Furthermore, an outdoor amphitheatre which can accommodate up to 250 people was built in the courtyard and is used for cultural events organised by the Municipality, the schools of the area, and other cultural and social entities.
Another important monument found in the territory of the Municipality of Yermasoyia, is the medieval bridge found in Potamos Yermasoyias parking lot, on the riverbed of river Amathos. This is one of the few monuments from the Frankish period still preserved in Yermasoyia.
The Yermasoyia Dam is considered one of the most important works conducted in the area. Found in the north border of the Municipality of Yermasoyia, the dam was constructed in 1968 on land owned by the Municipality of Yermasoyia and the communities of Akrounta and Finikaria. The dam was built to support both the agricultural activity and the water supply systems of the broader area. Over the years, the presence of the dam created a new ambience in the area of the Yermasoyia Municipality and its surrounding communities. It is considered an important habitat area and a station for thousands of migratory birds during spring and summer. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent view of the dam and the lush vegetation around it by organising excursions by car or on foot. The construction of the dam encouraged and promoted sports; canoeing and kayaking have become largely popular as all the Nautical Clubs of Cyprus train in the area daily and pancyprian and international competitions take place there. In addition to this, the manmade lake became a new attraction for fishing enthusiasts, as fishing is permitted there with a special licence issued by the Department of Fisheries.
Nothing compares to the beauty, calmness and peacefulness of the popular dasoudi, in the heart of the Limassol tourist area. Found along the seaside and just a few metres away from the city, Dasoudi, Yermasoyia’s green lung, is a place where one can escape from everyday problems. The picturesque pathway that runs through dasoudi is ideal for walking and jogging, but also for relaxing, since one can enjoy a view of the beach or the forest from one of the benches found there.
The Yermasoyia Municipality, a chiefly tourist Municipality, has beautiful, organised beaches with calm crystal-clear waters. Most of them have toilets, showers, changing rooms, sunbeds, umbrellas, water sport stations and restaurants. It is worth mentioning that the Dasoudi beach was awarded with the Blue Flag.
One of the most important events organised by the Municipality of Yermasoyia is the Anthestiria Flower Festival, which is a permanent institution of the Municipality since 1999 and is held every year in May. This is a two-day celebration which includes events held in the Amathos river parking lot in the Yermasoyia tourist area; these events include exhibitions, a flower market fair and many other activities. Pavilions hosting pottery, basketry and other traditional professions’ workshops are operating during the celebrations. Moreover, there are spaces for painting and making pottery, specially arranged for the creative entertainment of children. These pavilions offer tourists an opportunity to become acquainted with Cypriot tradition and culture, while helping spread and maintain the spirit of the ancient Greek Anthestiria among youth. On the second day of celebrations a parade with flower-decorated floats and walking groups takes place along the main seaside road; local authorities, primary and secondary schools, clubs and other organised groups take part in this parade.

Kato Polemidia
128 Panayias Evagelistrias Str.
4156 Kato Polemidia
Cyprus
Mayor: Nikos Anastasiou
Tel.: +357 25821382
Fax: +357 25395632
Email: polemidiamunicipal@cytanet.com.cy
Website: www.polemidiamunicipal.com.cy
Kato Polemidia is an urban municipality situated in the southern part of Cyprus (Limassol district). It was founded in 1986. The town has a population of 25000 and its economy is mainly based on SMEs. Kato Polemidia has participated in European projects, mainly in the areas of social affairs and citizenship. Our Municipality is well known for its gastronomy. We are interested in new partnerships for projects on the following themes: social affairs, environment, sports and culture.

Lemesos
P.O.Box: 50089
3600 Lemesos
Cyprus
Mayor: Nicos Nicolaides
Tel.: +357 25884300
Fax: +357 25365497
Email: administration@limassol.org.cy
Website: www.limassol.org.cy
The town of Lemesos (Limassol) is situated between the ancient towns of Amathus and Curium. The English King Richard the Lionheart destroyed Amathus in 1191. Lemesos (Limassol) was probably built after Amathus had been ruined. However, the town of Lemesos (Limassol) was inhabited since the very old times. Graves that were found there date back to 2.000 B.C. and others date back to the 8th and 4th century B.C. These few remains that were left behind show that a small colonization must have existed which did not manage to develop and flourish.
The ancient writers mention nothing about the foundation of the town.
The history of Lemesos (Limassol) is largely known by the events of 1191 A.D. that put an end to the Byzantine dominion of Cyprus. The king of England, Richard the Lionheart, was travelling to the Holy Land in 1191. His fiancιe Berengaria and his sister loanna, (Queen of Sicily), were also travelling on a different ship. Because of a storm, the ship with the queens arrived in Lemesos (Limassol). Isaac Comnenus, the Byzantine governor of Cyprus, was heartless and cruel, and hated the Latins very much. He did not allow the queens to get off the ship and did not even help them. When Richard arrived in Lemesos (Limassol) and met Isaac Comnenus, he asked him to contribute to the crusade for the liberation of the Holy Land. While at the beginning Isaac had accepted, he later on refused to give any help.
Richard then chased him and beat him. Cyprus was therefore taken over by the British. Richard celebrated his marriage with Berengaria who had received the crown as queen of England in Cyprus. So, the Byzantine dominion in Cyprus came to an end.
Richard destroyed Amathus and the inhabitants were transferred to Lemesos (Limassol). A year later, in 1192 A.D. Cyprus was sold to the Templars, rich monks and soldiers whose aim was the protection of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The knights enforced high taxes,in order to put back the money that had been given for the purchase of Cyprus. This led to the revolt of the Cypriots. They demanded that they should get rid of the bond of the promise. Richard accepted their request and a new purchaser was found: Guy de Lusignan, a Frank, a Roman Catholic. Cyprus was thus handed over to the Frankish Dynasty of the Lusignan kings of the medieval Cypriot kingdom.
For a period of about three centuries 1192-1489, Lemesos (Limassol) enjoyed aremarkable prosperity. Cyprus was characterized by its great number of Latin bishops. This lasted until the occupation of Cyprus by the Turks in 1570 A.D. Latin battalions which established monasteries were settled down there. The settling down of merchants in Cyprus and particularly in Lemesos (Limassol) in the 13th century led to the financial welfare of its inhabitants. Its harbor as a center of transportation and commerce, contributed greatly to the financial and cultural development.
The King of Germany, Frederick II, urged by the Templars of Cyprus who were enemies of Ibelen, arrived in Lemesos (Limassol) and took over in the town in 1228. He then called John Ibelen to come beforehim, in order to discuss the plans against the Muslims. John Ibelen came before him accompanied by the under-aged King Eric and all the Templars of Cyprus. When Ibelen refused to cooperate, Frederick had no choice but to let him go. The German King took over in Lemesos (Limassol) and in other towns. He appointed his own governors but he finally left Cyprus. The forces of Frederick were finally beaten in the battle of 1229, which took place in Agirta, a village in the Kyrenia area, between the forces ofFrederick and the troops of the Franks, which were led by John Ibelen. The outcome of the battle meant the beginning of the freedom of Cyprusfrom the Germans.
Cyprus was sold in1489 A.D. to the town of Venice by the Cypriot Queen Catherine Cornaro. The Venetianswere not interested in Cyprus. They were only interested in receiving the taxes and in exploiting the country’s sources. They destroyed the Castle of Lemesos (Limassol) in1539. Travelers who visited Cyprus in the 16th century commented on the poor condition of the local population in the towns of Cyprus.
All the inhabitants of Cyprus were enslaved by the Venetians, and were obliged to pay a tribute of 1/3 of their income, whether this was part of their products of the land, e.g. wheat, wine, oil, or animals or of any other product.
The Turks invaded Cyprus in 1570-1571 and occupied it. Lemesos (Limassol) was conqueredin July 1570 without any resistance. The Turks devastated and burned it. Descriptions of different visitors inform us that the town of Lemesos (Limassol) looked like a village with a considerablenumber of inhabitants. The Christians used to live in small houses of such low height, that one had to bend in order to enter the house. This was deliberately chosen in order to prevent the Turks from riding a horse, to enter the houses. During the years of the Turkish domination, Cyprus faced a general decline. The Turks did not contribute to any development. Greeks and Turks used to live in distinct neighborhoods.During the years of the Turkish domination, the intellectual standard of the Cypriots had declined. The lack of interest on the part of conquerors, the oppression and the high taxation were restraining factors for the intellectual development of the children. The church playedan important role in the education of the country during the years 1754-1821. During those years new schools were set up in all the towns. Greek intellectuals used to teach Greek history, Turkish and French. The following schools operated in the town of Lemesos (Limassol):
- The Greek School which was established in 1819
- The first public school which was established in 18411
- The Girls’ School which was established in 1861
The British took over in Cyprus in 1878. The first British governor of Lemesos (Limassol) was Colonel Warren. He showed a particular interest in Lemesos (Limassol) and even from the very first days the condition of the town showed an improvement. The roads were cleaned, the animals were removed from the center, roads were fixed, trees were planted and docks were constructed for the loading andunloading of those ships that were embarked away from the shore. Lanterns for the lighting of the central areas were also installed inthe I880. In 1912, electricity finally replaced the old lanterns.
From the very first years of the British occupation, a post office, a telegraph office and a hospital began to operate. In 1880 the first printing pressstarted working. These changes that the British brought about contributed to the development of an intellectual and artistic life.
Schools, theaters, clubs, art galleries, music halls, sport societies, football clubs etc. were all set up and meant a great deal to the cultural life of Lemesos (Limassol).
The rise of the population birth rate during the late 19th and 20th c. (1878-1960) was 70%. The number of inhabitants was 6.131 in 1881, while in 1960 the number had risen to 43.593. The number of the Greek population was estimated at 37.478,while the Turkish population at 6.115.
Job opportunities concerned the wine and ceramic industries, as well as the commerce and tourism developed by the port.
The Turkish-Cypriotinhabitants of Lemesos (Limassol) were transferred to the north of Cyprus in 1975 because of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974. Accordingly, many Greek-Cypriots who became refugees after they had fled from the north of Cyprus settled down in Lemesos (Limassol).
When Famagusta, one of the most important tourist areas of Cyprus was occupied by the Turkish troops, Lemesos (Limassol) rapidly expanded. Luxury hotels, restaurants and numerous places of entertainment were built, so that the town soon became a center of commerce.

Mesa Geitonia
P.O.Box: 59596
4010 Lemesos
Cyprus
Mayor: Doros Antoniou
Tel.: +357 25723597
Fax: +357 25723744
Email: info@mesayitonia.com.cy
Website: www.mesayitonia.com.cy
Historical background
In the traditional centre where the Town Hall and the Square are currently located, there used to be a settlement in the ancient times, which was likely to have been created in the Byzantine times (330-1191 AC), of which few remains still exist. The earthquakes, the military conflicts, the Arab raids and the decay of time left nothing intact from this settlement since the remote past. This medieval cistern is the only exception that resists the ravages of time. There is no archaeological interest in the village. However, many findings have been revealed from the archaeological excavations in the surrounding area, dating back to 3000 years ago. Findings in stone carved graves revealed date back to the historical archaic, classical, Hellenistic and Roman Greek period.
The dense structure is the settlement’s typical feature. The houses touch one another and are constructed on the edge of the plot boundary, either perpendicular or parallel to the road.
During winter months, the inhabitants’ needs in water supply were met from the water in the village cistern until 1950. From time to time, water was supplied to their homes from a well south to Agios Athanasios. Water was transported to the village in big pitchers on animals’ back.
Churches
In Mesa Geitonia, four churches are currently operational: Timios Prodromos, Apostle Andreas, Ayios Eleftherios and Osia Xeni owned by the Old Calendarists. Ruins of an old church have been discovered along the edge of the Panthea hill where the church of Archangel Michael is planned to be constructed.
The church of Timios Prodromos was built in 1846, two years after the Tanzimât was implemented in Cyprus, which was an administrative and social reform enforced by the Ottoman Empire (1844). The free reconstruction of churches in Cyprus started from that year.
The Holy Church of Apostle Andreas was built in 1956, during the freedom struggle. «Cypriots struggling to get free» is a testimonial on a built-in plate inside the church. Both churches have fully been restored inside and outside.
Schools
Three public Kindergartens (IX, XI, XVI) and four Elementary Schools are operational under the responsibility of the Mesa Geitonia Municipality. These Elementary Schools are: the IX Halkoutsa School, the XIV Mesa Geitonia School, the XI Kontovathkia School and the XVI Mesa Geitonia Timios Prodromos School. In September 2018, the new Panthea XVIII Elementary School is expected to be operational.
The Georgios N. Kalogeropoulos Elementary School is also placed within the Mesa Geitonia Municipality boundaries.
For any information on the above stated schools, please contact the Mesa Geitonia School Board tel.: 25694500.

Ypsonas
120, Archiepiskopou Makariou III Avenue
4182 Ypsonas, Lemesos
Cyprus
Mayor: Pantelis Georgiou
Tel.: +357 25395600
Fax: +357 25392595
Email: demosipsona@cytanet.com.cy
Website: http://www.ipsonas.org/
Ipsonas, the second largest administrative area, in the Limassol District is located 7 kilometers west of Limassol city. It borders with the Municipalities of Limassol and Kato Polemidia and with the communities of Trachoni, Kolossi, Erimi, Kantou, Alassa, Paramytha and Palodia. Much of its administrative area falls into the territory of the Sovereign Base of Akrotiri- Episkopi.
The average altitude of Ipsonas is 90 meters. Its altitude of 476 meters decreases to the north at 250 meters, and to the west at 220 meters. The area at the main settlement has an altitude of about 90 meters and in the south it has an altitude of only 20 meters.
The close proximity of Ipsonas with the city of Limassol , the excellent road connection, its lucrative agricultural holdings, the continuous residential developments, the search from the residence of Lofou for better living conditions, were some of the factors that contributed decisively to the population growth of Ipsonas. This was particularly impressive after 1946. In 1881 the inhabitants were only three who rose to 4 in 1891 and a decade later they rose to 21. In 1912 they decrease to 11 but rose to 167 in 1921. In 1931 in Ipsonas lived 164 men and 92 women. In 1960, the village’s population was 1,496 which mean that it increased by 204.1% over the last 30 years. In 1976 the population of Ipsonas increased to 2.379 inhabitants and consisted of 1,201 men and 1,178 women.
In 1982 the population reached 3.061 inhabitants and Ipsonas became the sixth largest population of Limassol province. In 1992 it reached 4,475 inhabitants and in 2001 it grew to 6,435 inhabitants. In the last census carried out by the Cyprus Statistical Service in 2011, the population shot up by 72.8%, reaching a total of 11,117 inhabitants. Out of these, 5,529 were men and 5,588 were women. From the above, it follows as a general conclusion that over a century from 1881 to 1982, the total population of Ipsonas increased from 3 to 3,061 inhabitants, ie 1,020 times its original size, while the total population of Cyprus in the same period increased from 186,173 to around 640,000 people, i.e 3.44 times.
The largest population growth was between the years 1982 and 2011, with 8,056 new residents living in Ipsonas. Based on the records of the Municipality of Ipsonas, the population in 2017 exceeds 12,500 inhabitants.
There is no strict historical evidence on the origin of the name of Ipsonas. There are only assumptions based on either insignificant or vague historical sources or ex-post interpretations that use historical elements of life in Ipsonas. The most likely origin of the name stems from the fact that the soil composition in the area is composed from limestone and in the Byzantine years was proceed to extract gyprum (Gypsos ) as an export product this giving the name in the area Gypsonas.
There are no archaeological findings or testimonies from ancient texts or other sources that document the existence of an ancient settlement in today’s location. Archaeological excavations carried out by the Department of Antiquities, near the chapel of Agios Georgios of Sporos, around the church of Agios Vichianos, and in the area of Laoni near Vounaros bordering on Erimi, found ancient remains but did not indicate systematic inhabitation. However, it is very likely that there were rural settlements, as proven by the medieval years and beyond, whose inhabitants cultivated the fertile land of the region. In particular, the French historian Louis de Mas Latrie (1815-1897) includes Ipsonas among the villages belonging to the king of Cyprus during the Frankish rule (1192-1489 AD). In addition, the village is marked as Ipsona on maps dating back to the 16th century. Ipsonas was probably destroyed in 1426 when Egyptian Mameluks invaded Cyprus from the bay of Avdimu, attacked unsuccessfully against Episkopi marched to Limassol, which they captured and from then on proceeded to Nicosia. It could also have been destroyed in 1570 during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. It is testified that in July of 1570 the invaders landed in Limassol, which they pillaged and burn everything arrived at Polemidia. Ipsonas being very close to Limassol and Polemidia was most likely destroyed.
During the Ottoman domination, Ipsonas was under the Turks administration and only in 1910 it was declared into a village. Specifically, in a publication of the newspaper Eleftheria dated 9 / 22.10.1910, it states ¨ from the 1st of October of this year in the province of Limassol the area known under the name Tsiflikion Ipsonas and in which they migrate during the sowing and harvest season all almost the inhabitants of the village of Lofou is hereby into a village under the name Ipsonas village.
At the beginning of the decade, Ipsonas was already at a very high level of economic and social development, its population had increased significantly and the village had become a modern town, thus maturing the conditions for its transformation into a municipality. As a result of all these changes, the Community Council was abolished and Ipsonas was proclaimed a municipality in 2012 after a referendum.
According to the results of the voting procedure for the election of the Mayor and the Members of Municipal Council held on December 18, 2016, based upon the Municipal Law, the new Municipal Council of Ipsonas has elected for the period 2017 – 2021, which consists of the Mayor and 10 Municipal Councillors. The composition of the City Council is as shown below:
Mayor: Pantelis Eftichiou Georgiou
Deputy Mayor: Kleanthis Karamanides
Councillors: Panagiotis Panagiotou, Kleanthis Angelodemou, Savvas Agiselaou, Neophytos Nikolaou, Marios Andrea Neophytou, Kyriakos Panagiotou, Aleka Stylianou, Kyriakos Panagiotou, Aristos Georgiou, Marios Neophytou
The transformation in to a Municipality marked a dynamic course of evolution progress and development of the local society, since it means:
- Extension of the power and responsibilities of the Local Authority.
- Independence from District Administrations.
- Greater autonomy in designing and implementing various policies of local interest.
- Higher participatory intervention by the citizens themselves.
Having as guiding principles transparency, meritocracy, and good administration, the Municipality of Ipsonas has set the goal of creating a more humane, more functional, and more modern Municipality.
LINKS
Contact us
Address:
78, Rigainis Str. CY-1010 Nicosia
P.O.Box 22033, CY-1516 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22 445170
Fax: +357 22 677230
Email: endeky@ucm.org.cy