Paralimni

35.03333333333333.983333333333Koordinaten: 35 ° 2 ' N, 33 ° 59 ' E

Paralimni (Greek Παραλίμνι ) is a municipality in the southeast of the island of Cyprus. Politically it belongs to the district of Famagusta of Cyprus, whose administrative center it represents a de facto division of Cyprus since 1974.

Population and geography

Paralimni grew due to conflict substantially, since many displaced from northern Cyprus Cyprus Greeks settled here, and today has about 11,000 inhabitants, which corresponds to about a quarter of the population of the district remaining part. The inhabitants live mainly from tourism in neighboring Agia Napa, next to agriculture still plays a bigger role.

The actual resort of Paralimni is located about three kilometers inland and three kilometers south of the dividing line on the east bank of the mostly dry lying Paralimni Lake, of which the name ( " Paralimni " = "Lakeside " ) is derived. The municipal area ( Paralimni Municipality ) extends into contrast to the coast and in the UN buffer zone. The seaside resorts of Protaras, Pernera and Kapparis are administratively part of the municipality, with Protaras internationally far more well known because of tourism as the town itself Adjacent neighboring communities or villages are Dherynia, Sotira and Agia Napa.

History, Culture and sights

We find the Neolithic archaeological Nissia place on the coast. In ancient times, was located on the present-day municipality of the city Lefkolla, of which no remains have survived.

Previously, Paralimni was primarily known for its windmills. In the village is the largest village square ( plateia) Cyprus. There are three churches: the largest is the new Agios Georgios Church, which was built in the early 1990s and is characterized by extensive paintings in the interior. The second church is also dedicated to St. George and dates from the 19th century; the Gothic Panagia cross-domed church was built in the 13th century, but later altered by additions. Outside of the actual location, there are other churches, such as the chapel of Prophet Elias in Protaras, Agia Varvara - Church near Kapparis and the Agia Trias Church in Pernera.

Sports

Paralimni is home to the world-class football club Enosis Neon Paralimni, which plays its games at the Stadium " Tasos Marcou ". The most famous football players in the country, Michalis Konstantinou, was born in Paralimni and began his career here.