Martha Kehagias
Limni Pier, located on the coast near Polis Chrysochous, is a relic of Cyprus’s industrial past. Originally constructed as part of the nearby Limni mine, the pier served as a crucial link in transporting ore via a small railway that ran from the mine to the sea. However, since the mine’s closure, the pier has slowly deteriorated, suffering from neglect and the ravages of time.
At one point, plans were in place to transform the pier into a tourist attraction as part of the ambitious Limni Bay Resort project, which was set to include golf courses, luxury hotels, villas, and other high-end developments. However, those plans collapsed, and the land was eventually sold to new investors who now have different intentions for the area. With no clear commitment to the pier’s restoration, it remains abandoned, its once-strong wooden planks now battered by the elements.
The impact of recent storms
Recent storms have accelerated the pier’s decline, further damaging its structure and making it unsafe for public access. According to reports from Paphos Life, both sides of the pier have suffered significant damage, with missing panels and weakened supports. The situation has reached a critical point, with many locals and visitors now questioning whether the pier will ever be restored or if it will eventually collapse entirely.
A video posted online captures the state of disrepair, highlighting how dangerous the structure has become. The pier, once a scenic spot for strolls and photography, is now fenced off, preventing access due to safety concerns. The uncertainty surrounding its future raises an important question—who, if anyone, will take responsibility for its restoration?
Ownership and responsibility: Who will save Limni Pier?
The legal ownership and maintenance responsibility of Limni Pier remain somewhat unclear. While the land around it has been sold to new investors, the pier itself appears to fall under the jurisdiction of the Cyprus Ports Authority. The Mayor of Polis Chrysochous, Giotis Papachristofis, has acknowledged the dire condition of the pier and stated that the Municipality has already sent a request to the Ports Authority, urging them to take immediate action.
Despite this, there has been no official confirmation of any planned restoration efforts. Without intervention, the pier’s future looks grim.
The story of Limni Pier is not just about a decaying structure; it represents a broader issue of neglected heritage in Cyprus. The pier, with its rich industrial history and scenic location, has the potential to be revived as a tourist attraction or a cultural landmark. However, without proper funding and a clear restoration plan, it risks becoming yet another lost piece of history.
For the residents of Polis and Paphos, as well as the thousands of tourists who visit the area each year, the fate of Limni Pier is more than just a municipal issue—it is a reflection of how Cyprus values and preserves its historical sites. If action is not taken soon, the waves will eventually reclaim what remains of this once-proud structure, erasing a piece of Paphos’s past forever.
With information from Paphos Life and Philenews.
