The Impressive Kourion Archaeological Site (Limassol District, Cyprus)

The Kourion archaeological site is impressive!

It was one of the most important city-kingdoms in Cyprus in antiquity and it’s located on a hill in the Limassol district towards Episkopi village (in Limassol).

What we love most about Kourion (Curium) is the Greco-Roman theater (the site’s centerpiece as the view from up there is spectacular!), the House of Eustolios and its mosaics; and its location.

The ancient Greeks chose splendid locations to build their cities…

…and that’s why apart from the magnificent monuments in this wonderful archaeological site you will also find that the view from the hill this ancient city-kingdom is built is breathtaking!

Today, Kourion is visited by thousands of locals and tourists every year as it’s one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus.

So are you a history enthusiast?

If you are, are you ready to go back in time?

If so, then consider including Kourion archaeological site in your itinerary.

For more information on Kourion (Curium) click the links below to guide you through the article.

Quick links:

About The Kourion Archaeological Site
Pictures of The Kourion Archaeological Site

About The Kourion Archaeological Site

Directions – How to Get There By Car

Head towards the village of Episkopi (in Limassol) and you will see road signs towards Kourion (Curium) Archaeological Site.

Follow the road signs. The road will take you to the entrance of the archaeological site. There you can purchase your ticket to visit all the monuments.

The Location

Two important ancient city-kingdoms of the island were built in the town of Limassol…

…Kourion (Curium) at the west and Amathus at the east.

Specifically…

…the impressive archaeological site of Kourion is built on a beautiful hill and it was founded by the Achaean Greeks. They arrived on the island from the Aegean region at around 1200 BC.

While walking the path that leads you to the Greco-Roman theater make a stop and admire the beauty of the blue Mediterranean Sea. The view from up there is breathtaking!

Wonderful scenery will unfold before you while walking towards the theater. If you love taking pictures, then take the camera with you. The blue azure of the Mediterranean Sea is enchanting!

The Founder

Kourion’s founder was Koureus, the son of the mythical king of Paphos Kinyras…

…and therefore the site has been named after its founder, Koureus.

The Greek Legend

Based on archaeological finds, Kourion was associated with the Greek legend of Argos of Peloponnese. Also, it is believed that its inhabitants were descendents of Argean immigrants.

The Greco-Roman Theater

One of the most important monuments in Kourion is the very well preserved Greco-Roman theater. The theater is divided into 3 parts…the auditorium, the orchestra and the scene.

This impressive theater was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. It has been restored and today is used – during the summer – for open-air musical and theatrical performances.

A musical or theater performance of an ancient tragedy at this magnificent theater and the views from up there will leave you in awe.

The House of Eustolios

The House of Eustolios which consists of more than 35 rooms is a monumental house and dates from the end of the 4th – beginning of the 5th century AD.

The inscriptions on its magnificent mosaic floors that cover the biggest part of the building reveal the name of the owner of the house (Eustolios) as well as his Christian identity.

The house was first erected as a private palatial house (villa) but after the construction of the baths and the laying of the mosaic floors it was transformed into a public recreation center during the Early Christian period.

The House of Achilles

Many of the rooms of this Roman residence (villa) of the 4th century AD are decorated with mosaic floors.

The villa was named “House of Achilles” after the scenes depicted on the mosaics.

In particular, the most interesting and impressive mosaic is the one that depicts the scene where Achilles reveals his identity to Odysseas. Achilles is disguised as a merchant in the courtyard of the King of Skyros, Lykomedes.

The House of The Gladiators

The House of the Gladiators is a 3rd century AD villa and it’s located a few meters east of the House of Achilles.

This Roman house took its name from the mosaic representations of the Gladiators that adorned the central courtyard.

Today only two representations are saved. The first one depicts a drill of gladiators and the second one represents a fight.

The Early Christian Basilica

At the Kourion archaeological site, you will also find the remains of a large complex of an early Christian three-aisled basilica. That was the Cathedral Church of Kourion which dates from the beginning of the 5th century. In the 6th century changes were made by laying new mosaic floors with marble.