Kourion Cyprus Ruins: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• The House of Eustolios

  The House of Eustolios doesn’t much look like a house at all. Underneath the curved protective roof, all that remains is a floor and some remnants of the wall. The former size of the building can only be estimated by the extent of the flooring.

• The Amphitheatre

  See that big arena that looks like rows of stadium seating? At 220 meters wide, or 720 feet, it’s pretty hard to miss! This is the amphitheatre, where people could go to experience a show as well as take in the views of the sea and the lush natural surroundings. Imagine what it would have looked like at its maximum capacity of 3,500 spectators!

• Stand on the Orchestra

  Step onto the stage of the amphitheater and gaze across the tiers of seating. Learn about the naturally built cavea, designed to accommodate different sections of society, from the highest status members in the front rows to women and children in the top seats.

• Sit on the Steps

  Take a seat and imagine the lost stage of the amphitheatre, once adorned with actors. Explore the historical significance of this ancient structure and its role in celebrating the performing arts in ancient Greek and Cypriot society.

• Kourion Flourishes

  Discover the rich history of Kourion, from its early settlements to its reign under different empires. Learn about significant rulers such as Cyrus I of Persia and the city's flourishing under Roman influence, witnessed through remarkable ruins and well-preserved basilicas.

• Kourion’s Aqueducts

  Observe the impressive Roman aqueducts that brought water to the city of Kourion, enabling its growth and prosperity.

• Approaching the Excavations

  Head towards the ancient agora, the bustling marketplace and gathering place of Kourion.

• The Agora

  Step into the agora, the vibrant social hub of ancient Kourion. Discover its significance as a marketplace, assembly area, and central public space.

• The Stoa

  Discover the unique stoa with its impressive roofed path and large underground reservoir, showcasing the advanced water storage system of ancient Kourion.

• Hellenistic Structure

  Witness the remains of a Hellenistic structure, a mysterious public building that stood from 300 BC to 50 BC, adding to the historical intrigue of Kourion.

• The Public Baths (Major Baths Complex)

  Explore the sophisticated water supply system of the public baths, featuring heated rooms and hypocausts, offering insights into the luxurious bathing practices of ancient Rome.

• Roman Nymphaeum

  Marvel at the grandeur of the Nymphaeum, a fountain and bath complex dedicated to the nymphs, adorned with clamshells and white marble, symbolizing the gratitude of ancient Kourion for its water sources.

• Early Christian House with Triclinium

  Observe the enigmatic structure with its barrel-vaulted roof, speculated to serve various purposes throughout its history, leaving room for imagination and exploration.

• Gladiator House

  Step into the Gladiator House and admire the mosaic artwork depicting gladiator battles, unique to Cyprus, offering a glimpse into the popularity of combat sports and the possibility of this building serving as a palaestra or wrestling school.

• The House of Achilles

  Discover the partially preserved House of Achilles, named after its mosaic depicting a scene from Greek mythology, believed to be a reception center for honored guests in ancient Kourion.

• Early Christian Basilica

  Explore the fifth-century basilica, once the city's cathedral, reflecting the influence of Christianity in Kourion and the repurposing of materials from dismantled pagan temples.

• Earthquake House

  Witness the remains of the Earthquake House, a domestic residence destroyed during the devastating earthquake of 365, offering a poignant glimpse into the tragic events of that time.

• Kourion's Other Sites

  Visit the Roman stadium, the Temple of Apollo, and the Shrine of Demeter, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Kourion and its connections to Greek mythology and religious practices.

• Rediscovering Kourion

  Learn about the rediscovery of Kourion in the 19th century, with amateur excavations and the subsequent official systematic excavation, shedding light on the city's rich history and encouraging global interest in ancient civilizations.