Ancient city of Kourion
Just a short distance from Limassol, there is a magnificent sight that will appeal not only to history enthusiasts but also to others.
This refers to the ancient settlement of Kourion. It is one of the oldest historical monuments in Cyprus, which has been fairly well preserved in some places and attracts not only tourists interested in history today but also, unexpectedly, paragliders.
History of Kourion
Kourion is an ancient Greek city-state on the southwest coast of Cyprus. Greek settlers from Argos, who participated in the Trojan War, arrived here as early as the 12th century BC.
After the Greeks, Kourion belonged to the Egyptians, Romans, and then the Byzantines. In the 4th century, the city suffered from five strong earthquakes, was largely restored, but people did not return. Uninhabited, it was later controlled by the Venetians, Ottomans, and British.
Sights to See in Kourion
Most of the discoveries in the archaeological zone of Kourion date back to the Roman, Late Roman, and Early Byzantine periods. The Acropolis and all archaeological remains on its territory are managed by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus. Here are some objects you can see in the archaeological park:
- Temple of Apollo
- Remains of Hellenistic structures
- Amphitheater
- Cemetery at the Gates of Amathus
- Aqueducts
- Gladiator's House
- House of Achilles
- Forum and Forum Baths
- Stadium
- Complex of Eustolios House and Baths
- Northwest Basilica
- Early Christian Basilica
How to Get to Kourion
The archaeological zone of Kourion is part of the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia and is managed by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, but access from the Republic of Cyprus to the attraction is free.
By Car
To reach Kourion by car, head towards Paphos on the A1 highway, and the journey will take 15-20 minutes. You will find the exact location of the ticket office and parking under the text on the map. Parking is included in the ticket price. You will likely pass by Kolossi Castle, so plan your time to visit it as well.
By Public Transport
Buses 16 and 16B (to Kourion Beach) run almost 30 times a day. On Saturdays, there are half as many trips, and on Sundays, there are about 10. You can check the schedule on this website.
FAQ about Kourion
How much does it cost to visit Kourion?
As of the end of 2023, the entrance fee to the Kourion archaeological park is 4.5 euros. If you are interested in not only this attraction but also other places in Cyprus, it is worth purchasing a museum pass from the Department of Antiquities. It costs 8.5 euros per day, 17 euros for three days, and 25 euros for a week.
What are the visiting hours for Kourion?
The Kourion archaeological park is open every day, and the opening hours depend on the season. Ticket sales stop half an hour before closing.
- From September 16 to April 15: 8:30 am — 5:00 pm
- From April 16 to September 15: 8:30 am — 7:30 pm
What makes Kourion notable besides its history?
Aside from its significant historical importance, Kourion is one of the main take-off points for paragliders in Cyprus, accessible for flights due to stable air currents most days of the year.
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…