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Tour Details

Tour Type: Walking
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Distance:0.2+ miles
Audio Stories: 38
Purchase Qty: One Per Person
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Kourion tour in Cyprus

With this GPS-enabled tour, you’ll be able to discover the stories behind how these ruins were created—simply by walking along the Cyprus tour.

Kourion’s Golden Age

This self-guided audio and GPS tour begins at the Kourion Archaeological Site entrance. First, you’ll see the House of Eustolios, where one of the city’s most prominent noblemen once lived. Here, you’ll be filled in on the ancient history of Kourion and its significance today.

Next, you’ll visit the amphitheater, where thousands of people once watched theatrical and musical performances. The tour will bring to life what this structure must have looked like when packed by crowds and give you insight into its tremendously tricky construction.

Continuing through the ruins, you’ll hear about Kourion’s Golden Age and the roles of famous figures like Alexander the Great and Ptolemy in its history.

Then, on to the Kourion aqueducts, an architectural marvel among the most advanced technological achievements of its time.

Next, stroll through the Agora, or “gathering place” where bustling markets and assemblies once drew thousands of the city’s residents. Get some insight into the unique architecture of this place before continuing to the Public Baths, once the site of lavish, heated pools where citizens relaxed and conversed with good friends. But the most impressive baths are yet to come. These, you’ll find at the Roman Nymphaeum, built of stunning white marble.

After that, pay a visit to the Gladiator House, which features a mosaic depicting a gladiator battle. Here, you’ll learn the natural history of gladiators and uncover some of the facts behind the myths.

Next up is the House of Achilles, featuring another mosaic depicting the mythical figure of Achilles, who you’ll learn more about at this stop.

Then it’s on to one of the earliest Christian Basilicas, dating back to the fifth century. Believe it or not, the seat of the Pope was once located right here!

As you continue back toward the Visitor Center where you began, you’ll hear about some other key sites to see in the city, including the Temple of Apollo. You’ll also learn about the devastating earthquake that struck Kourion and destroyed this thriving city. Then, listen to the tale of how the city disappeared from memory for centuries before being rediscovered. The tour concludes at the Visitor Center.

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Where To Start?

Starting Point Address: Κourion Ancient Amphitheater, Cyprus

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

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.