Sotira Lemesou (Limassol)

Important archaeological sites, amazing resi and Koulourakia!

Sotira is a village in the Limassol province which is about 20 kilometres west of the city, built at an average altitude of 280 meters. From the village, the stream "Simvoulos" passes and flows further north and into the bay of Episkopi.

It should be noted that much of the Sotira administrative area falls within the territory of the British Akrotiri military base.

Sotira Lemessou boarders Paramali on the west, Agios Amvrosios on the northwest, Pano Kivides on the north, the Souni-Zanatzia community on the northeast, Kantou on the east and Episkopi on the southeast.Photo: ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΥ

The name of the village: 
The name of the village is of hagiological origin and bears the name of Christ the Savior. After all, the main church of the community is dedicated to Chrysosotira.

Historical Data: 
It is probable that Sotira was founded during the Byzantine years, judging by its name. It is not mentioned in medieval sources, probably because it was a small settlement. On old maps it is listed under its current name. It was probably a small feud during the Frankish period.

Near the village there is the archaeological site of the sanctuary of Apollo of Hylates that falls within the wider archaeological site of Kourion and it should be noted that in antiquity the area of Sotira was included in the administrative area of the kingdom of Kourion.

The archaeological site of Kourion, as well as the discovery of a settlement of prehistoric times in the area, testify to the ancient inhabitation of the area.
Photo: Antreas Constantinou

Churches and Sights: 
To the south of Sotira you will find an important archaeological site of the sanctuary of Apollo of Hylates, which falls into the wider archaeological site of Kourion, since in antiquity the area of Sotira was included in the administrative area of the kingdom of Kourion as mentioned earlier. It is worth noting that at the sites of Teppes and Kaminoudkia of Sotiras village there are important archaeological sites of prehistoric times.

The main church of the community is dedicated to Chrysosotira and a great festival occurs on August 6th every year. In the village there is the Chapel of St. George Makreftas and the Monastery of St. George.
Photo: Costas Mageiroudes

Population:
The people of Sotira have experienced several fluctuations over the years. Specifically in 1881 the village had 64 residents gradually increasing to 191 by 1960. From 1973 they decreased to 134 and again to 109 in 1976, they reached 70 in 1992. In 2001 they increased to 83 and in 2011 to 143.

Crops and Occupations:
In Sotira, cereals, cultivated plants, locusts and olives are grown. Still, there are several uncultivated areas in the village where wild vegetation thrives.
Photo: Panayiotis Panayiotou Arsiotis

It is also noteworthy that Sotira is renowned for its resi as well as for its delicious koulourakia.

For the map of the area click HERE