Fire severely damages historic mansion in central Limassol (video)

A large fire that broke out on Wednesday morning in Limassol severely damaged an abandoned listed mansion located in the historic town centre.

The circumstances of the fire are currently under investigation, as police are examining information regarding four individuals who, prior to the incident, were seen leaving the neoclassical residence, known as the Pavlidis mansion, one of the most iconic buildings in Limassol.

According to the deputy chief of the Limassol central fire brigade Beniamin Loukas, four firefighting vehicles, one of which featured an aerial ladder platform, were dispatched to the site.

“It was very difficult to access the house due to its location in the city centre, and there were challenges in approaching the scene,” he said.

“Furthermore, when we arrived, the roof of the residence had collapsed entirely.”

Additionally, he explained that the wooden floor of the first floor collapsed after the fire broke out, resulting in the Fire Service prioritising the protection of neighbouring houses and the evacuation of nearby residents.

Regarding reports of four individuals seen leaving the abandoned house, Loukas said that the information is being investigated by the police, and the exact causes of the fire will be determined after through examinations.

Furthermore, Limassol police spokesperson Lefteris Kyriakou said the authorities are looking into information suggesting that the building was being used as a refuge by homeless people.

“This is something we are investigating, and we are trying to ascertain exactly what has happened through CCTV footage and other testimonies,” he said.

The mansion, located on central Ifigenia street, near the Technology University (Tepak), was built around the late 19th century and had been abandoned for over a decade. For some time, a small bar operated in its courtyard.