Kourion
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About
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Why go
- The fully restored theatre, with the sea behind it, which seated up to 3,500 spectators.
- The Odysseus mosaic at the court of Lycomedes of Skyros, the most important mosaic in its building.
- The two gladiator mosaic panels, the only such mosaics in Cyprus.
- The stadium, the only excavated stadium in Cyprus, with curved seating for about 6,000 spectators.
- The Ktisis mosaic on the frigidarium floor of the House and Baths of Eustolios, showing Creation with a ruler.
Interesting facts6
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Ancient writers called it a colony and one of the richest and most powerful kingdoms on the island.
Κούριο - Wikipedia -
The sanctuary here ranked third among Pan-Cyprian shrines, after the one at Salamis.
Kourion - Wikipedia -
Apollo was worshipped here as a god of war and protector of fighters.
Kourion - Wikipedia -
The city also went by the name Curium.
Kourion - Wikipedia -
The nymphaeum was among the largest in the Roman Mediterranean.
Kourion - Wikipedia -
Objects dug up here formed most of the first exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Kourion - Wikipedia
Shorts
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House of Eustolios in KourionLucas Sands
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House of Eustolios in KourionLucas Sands
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Ancient Kourion, CyprusNatania Travel
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Kourion beach, Cyprus, october 2021Sea Therapy
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Kourion Ancient Amphitheater, one of the most remarkable historical s…Sunshine
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Sunday in Paradise: Visiting Kourion Beach in CyprusIvan Safronov
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Discover the Beauty of Kourion: Cyprus' Sea ViewSunshine
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Kourion Beach - Peaceful Spot in Cyprus You Must Visit!Cyprus Scope
History
Kourion was a kingdom on the southwest coast and among the most influential on the island in the Cypro-Archaic period. Persian authority reached it in 546 BCE, and Ptolemaic rule began in 294 BCE. Under Trajan the theatre was enlarged to its present size, and the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates was restored. Earthquakes between 365 and 370 CE damaged the city, which was rebuilt in the late fourth and early fifth centuries. The site was identified in the 1820s. Since 2012 a project has excavated the acropolis.
- 12th century BCSettlers from Argos reach the area after the Mycenaean palaces collapse.
- late 8th century BCThe earliest votive offerings are made at the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates.
- ca. 98–111 CETrajan enlarges the theatre, giving it its present size.
- 365–370 CEFive strong earthquakes hit the city.
- 648–649Arab raids destroy the acropolis, and settlement moves to Episkopi.
Show all
- 1820sCarlo Vidua identifies the site.
- 1934–1954The University of Pennsylvania runs systematic digs here.
- 2012A project begins excavating the acropolis.
Tips for your visit
- The cemetery north of the entrance road is the first group of monuments visitors see.
- The theatre is the most striking site: fully restored, with the sea behind it.
- The House and Baths of Eustolios sits on the southern cliffs, directly above the theatre.
- The temple that dominates the site is only partly restored.
- The stadium lies 0.5 km west of the acropolis and is the only excavated stadium in Cyprus.
- The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates lies about 1.7 km west of the acropolis, 0.65 km inland.
- Some finds from the excavations are shown in a small museum in the village.
Sources: Kourion - Wikipedia · Kourion - Wikipedia · Κούριο - Wikipedia · Kourion - Wikipedia · Kurion - Wikipedia · checked 26 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
Where is Kourion?
Kourion lies on Cyprus's southwest coast, 1.3 km southwest of Episkopi and 13 km west of Limassol. The acropolis stands on a headland about 100 metres high above Episkopi Bay.
How far is Kourion from Limassol?
Kourion is 13 km west of Limassol. The ruins lie near Limassol, in one of the most fertile parts of the island.
Who manages the Kourion site?
The Cyprus Department of Antiquities manages the acropolis and all the remains within the area.
Is the Kourion theatre still used for shows?
Yes. The fully restored theatre is used for open-air music and theatre shows. It is also one of the venues of the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama.
Is there a museum at Kourion?
A small museum in the village shows some of the finds from the excavations. Finds from the site are also held in the British Museum.
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