Kolossi
Castle
14 km West of Lemesos, on the road to Pafos
A
fine example of military architecture originally
constructed in 13th century and subsequently rebuilt in
its present form in the middle of 15th century. After the
fall of Acre in 1291, it served as Grand Commandery of the
Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. In 14th
century, it came for a few years under the domain of
Knights Templar. Nearby are the ruins of a sugar mill
dating to 14th century.
Kourion Museum
14 km West of Lemesos, 4 km before Kourion site, at
Episkopi village, Tel: (05) 23 24 53
Collection
of finds from nearby archaeological sites, exhibited in a
beautiful old house.
Kourion
19 km West of Lemesos, on the road to Pafos
An
important ancient city-kingdom and one of the most
spectacular archaeological sites on the island, where
excavations still bring new treasures to light. The
magnificent Graeco-Roman Theatre was originally built in
2nd century BC and is now fully restored and used for
musical and theatrical performances. The House of
Eustolios, originally a private Roman villa, became a
public recreation center during the Early Christian
period. It consists of a complex of baths and a number of
rooms with beautiful 5th century AD mosaic floors. Early
Christian basilica dated to the 5th century was probably
Cathedral of Kourion with a baptistery attached to the
North face. House of Achilles and House of Gladiators have
beautiful mosaic floors. Nymphaeum, dedicated to water
nymphs, is an elegant Roman structure. Stadium lies 1 km
to the West on the right side of the road to Pafos and is
dated to 2nd century AD.
Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis
3 km West of Kourion, on the road to Pafos
Apollo
Ylatis, God of Woodland, was the protector of the city of
Kourion.
The cult of Apollo was celebrated here from 8th century BC
to 4th century AD. Southwest side of the temple has been
restored and excavations have also revealed other
structures of this important sanctuary, such as bath
complex, pilgrim halls, palaistra and a holy precinct.
Amathous Ancient Site
11 km East of Lemesos town center, close to Amathus
Hotel
One
of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus, where according to
mythology, Theseus left pregnant Ariadne to be taken care
of, after his battle with Minotaur. A very important cult
of Aphrodite-Astarte flourished here. Excavations have
revealed parts of Acropolis and Agora areas, as well as
part of the upper and lower city. Remains including five
early Christian Basilicas date from the Archaic, Roman and
Christian periods.
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