Anexartisias Street Explained

Anexartisias Street
Coordinates:34.6772°N 33.0451°W
Native Name:Greek, Modern (1453-);: Ανεξαρτησίας
Former Names:Macedonias
Greek, Modern (1453-);: Μακεδονίας
Part Of:Limassol Municipality
Length:730m (2,400feet)
Country:Cyprus
Location:Limassol, Cyprus
Postal Code:3040
Direction A:Gladstonos Street
Direction B:28th October Avenue
Completion Date:1917
Known For:Shopping & Leisure

Anexartisias Street is located in the Old Town of Limassol and is considered the main shopping street of the city, surpassing Makariou Avenue.[1] It hosts many retail stores as well as Gregori Afxentiou Square, where events, including the Limassol Carnival, are held.[2]

History

The street first showed signs of growth in 1923. The Independence of The Republic of Cyprus in 1960 was a significant event in the history of Cyprus and inspired the street to be named after it: Anexartisias .[3]

In its early years of growth, the Limassol Hospital (now the District Administration Building) was built when the street wasn't yet named. Around 1930–1940, the street was referred to as “Macedonias Street”.

Features

The main attractions are the multitude of shops and cafes along the street, which have made it well known to residents and visitors alike. Besides retail stores, the street also hosts the District Office, which participates in decorating the street and surrounding areas for various occasions, such as Christmas.

Controversies & Incidents

Incidents

Collapsed Roof, February 2022

On Sunday, February 20, 2022, the roof of a building collapsed during renovations due to poor concrete stability testing. Pedestrians and vehicles were in the vicinity, but fortunately, there were no injuries or damages to vehicles. The building was owned by a local church administration.[4]

Controversies

H&M Opening

In February 2021, the Swedish brand H&M announced that they were opening a new branch on the street. It was scheduled to open in the summer of that year.[5] The opening was later postponed to November 18, 2021,[6] and it finally opened on March 3, 2022.[7] The 8-month delay upset many shoppers, and once it opened, there was criticism regarding the “unfinished” state of the building despite the prolonged delay.

Transportation

EMEL ANEXARTISIAS - DISTRICT OFFICE[8]

The street is a two-lane road, mainly connected by Gladstonos Street (a dual carriageway) and 28th October Avenue. It also connects to many smaller neighborhoods and roads.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Anexartisias: The main shopping street of the city . 2024-03-09 . www.limassolchamber.eu . en.
  2. Web site: Anexartisias Street - Events and shopping street .
  3. Web site: allaboutlimassol.com . What was Anexartisias Street in Limassol called, before the independence of Cyprus? . 2022-08-22 . allaboutlimassol.com . en.
  4. Web site: Roof of building collapses on Limassol’s Anexartisias (Updated) . 2022-11-23 . cyprus-mail.com . en-GB.
  5. Web site: H&M opening first Limassol store . 2022-11-23 . cyprus-mail.com . en-GB.
  6. Web site: First H&M Store Opens in Limassol . 2022-11-23 . dom.com.cy.
  7. Web site: H&M Store Opening in Limassol Postponed to March 2022 . 2022-11-23 . dom.com.cy.
  8. Web site: Cyprus By Bus . 2022-08-22 . m.cyprusbybus.com.