Kourion Archaeological Site

Kourion archaeological site is one of the most important and historic areas in Cyprus. Dated back to the 12th century BC, Kourion was once one of the most important city-kingdoms in antiquity. You can find this area on the southwest coast, 1.2km southwest of Episkopi village.

During the 17th century, five massive earthquakes destroyed most of the city, which was only partially rebuilt. One of the most notable parts to visit is the Acropolis of Kourion, found on top of a limestone point almost 100 metres high along the coast.

What you will see

The other best-known site is the Kourion amphitheatre, at the end of the hill. Beyond it the remains include the House of the Gladiators, the House of Achilles, the aqueducts, the Amathus Gate cemetery, the Baths and House of Eustolios, the stadium, the northwestern basilica, the Christian beachfront basilica, and the episcopal precinct and cathedral.

The archaeological area lies within the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, but it is managed by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities.

Visiting

There is a ticket office at the entrance and you can wander the ancient city freely. Look at the baths and how cities were made, the pillared and cave-like areas, and the mosaics they decorated the place with. Tickets are fairly cheap, and we can recommend seeing this for yourself — it is everything you see in photographs and much more.