Overview:

: Kourion is a magnificent and sprawling archaeological site located on the outskirts of Limassol (Lemesos), on the island of Cyprus. The Kourion archaeological site covers a large area which includes many temples and shrines dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman eras of Cyprus. It is believed that the city was a part of the ancient kingdom of Kurion, which is mentioned in ancient Greek literature. The site was abandoned in the early 4th century AD and fell under repeated invasions and conflicts until its modern-day discovery in 1945. Today, visitors to Kourion can explore the wild wonders of the archaeological site, which include the Hippodrome, Agora, Nymphaeum, Temple of Apollo Hylates, Hellenistic House, Roman House, Sanctuary of the Imperial Cult, Roman Amphitheater, and much more. Kourion's many ruins serve as a reminder that this was once one of the most important cities of the island during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient Ruins: Kourion is home to some of the most impressive ruins of the ancient Mediterranean world. The impressive ruins of the earliest settlement, dating back to the 12th century BCE, is evidence of its once powerful importance as a city-kingdom in the region. One of the most well-preserved aspects of the ruin’s are the extensive mosaics found at the citadel, the theatre, and several domestic structures. 2. Hill House: An interesting feature of the hillside complex is the so-called Hill House. It is believed to have been built during the Roman period and today provides visitors with an insight into the living arrangements of the time. The Hill House consisted of multiple rooms with bathing facilities and it is surrounded by many terraced and tiered gardens. 3. Theatre: The theatre in Kourion is among the finest and most important examples of Greco-Roman architecture in the world. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, the circular theatre has a seating capacity for approximately thirteen thousand and is still used to host performances, events, and shows today. 4. Monumental Paved Mosque: This impressive building was built in the 11th century CE and is one of the best preserved mosques in the region. One of its most interesting features is its monumental stone upper-story, with four main entrances and a façade that is impressive both in size and ornamentation. 5. Church of Agia Solomoni: The oldest Byzantine church in Cyprus, the Church of Agia Solomoni is an important part of the Kourion archaeological site. The church was constructed in the 6th century CE and its exterior walls are decorated with beautiful ancient frescoes. Today it is still used as a place of worship. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Kourion archaeological site in Cyprus is believed to have been inhabited since the Neolithic period, around 7000 BC, and was most likely first fortified in the 14th century BC. It is one of the best researched and renowned ancient cities of the eastern Mediterranean. The ruins of Kourion include a series of monumental buildings, temples, a theatre, a necropolis, and a therapeutic spa. Kourion prospered during the Archaic Period (700-480 BC) and is believed to have been the most powerful city-kingdom of the area at the time, with luxurious and lavish palaces. The city flourished in the Hellenistic period (330-30 BC) when Kourion became a key player in regional politics and was part of the Ptolemaic Egyptian empire. The Romans took control of the region in 58 BC and the city continued its prosperity. A major earthquake in the early 4th century AD caused a large section of the city to collapse and the region never fully recovered. The site was inhabited until the 12th century AD when the Crusaders sacked the city and put an end to its importance. The site was in use until the Turkish invasion in 1974. Since then, the site has been protected and excavated by archaeologists who have uncovered many significant artifacts and continues to be a major tourist attraction. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Kourion is a well-preserved ancient Greco-Roman city situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean sea. It is located close to the modern city of Limassol in Cyprus. 2. Kourion was founded in the 13th Century BC by settlers from Achaea in Greece, and it became a major city by the 4th Century BC. 3. The name Kourion comes from the Greek word "kuros", meaning "lord". 4. In the 2nd Century BC Kourion was an important religious site for the worship of Aphrodite, and the Great Ideas of; War, Wealth and Wisdom associated to her cult were represented on cult statues inside the site. 5. In the 1st Century BC, the inhabitants of Kourion minted their own coins. The reverse of a coin features a figure of Aphrodite standing between two statues of Eros. 6. The ancient theatre at Kourion was built in the 2nd Century BC and it was capable of seating 3,500 people. This is one of the best preserved Greco-Roman theatres in the world today. 7. Kourion's Main Necropolis, or burial ground, is located outside the city walls. It contains over 3000 tombs, some of which were created using the natural caves of the rocky hillside. 8. Kourion was destroyed by an earthquake in 365 AD, and the city was never re-built. 9. Today the site is a major tourist attraction in Cyprus, and it is possible to view the remains of houses, baths, the theatre and other ruins. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.