Kourion Archaelogical Site

Cyprus

Archaeological Sights

Try the coin test from the chorus and you will be amazed! Have a friend sit at the very top of the aphitheatre and another one drop a coin at the stage area. The acoustics at the Kourion are so remarkable you will hear the sound of the coin falling!

Kourion Archaeological site is a spectacular archaeological site, of great significance, where excavations still bring new treasures to light. It is a must see for everyone on the island and the remains of the ancient city of Kourion are perhaps the best known and most photographed in Cyprus.

Kourion was an important city-kingdom. The site comprises many monuments, many of which date from the Roman period. These include: the Theatre, the forum, the Nymphaeum, the Public Baths, the Fountain House, the House of the Gladiators and the House of Achilles.

The Greek Roman theatre is remarkable with unique acoustic qualities and beautiful views and is possibly the most impressive site for the visitor, while the majestic villas discovered there with their exceptional mosaic floors and early Christian basilica are also noteworthy among other riches.

The theatre was constructed at the end of the 2nd century BC, but took its current dimensions during the 2nd century AD. Consisting of a semicircular orchestra that is surrounded by seats of the cavea (subterranean cells), it was enclosed to the south by the building of the scaenae frons (façade) that must have reached the height of the cavea, though today only the foundations remain.

On either side of the stage were two vaulted parodoi (corridors) from where the audience entered the theatre. The theatre could seat up to 3,500 spectators.

In the beginning of the 3rd century AD modifications were made, and the theatre was transformed into an arena that was used for fights with wild animals. At the end of the 3rd century AD, the arena spectacles declined and the theatre reassumed its proper purpose.

The theatre is now fully restored and is used for musical and theatrical performances.

Address: Kourion, 19km west of Lemesos on the road towards Pafos (Paphos)

Contact No: Tel: +357 25 934 250

Operating Hours: September 16 - April 15, daily: 08.30 - 17:00
April 16 - September 15, daily: 08:30 - 19:30
Operating Period: All year round.
Closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday (Greek Orthodox).

Entrance Fee: €4,50
For organised groups consisting of more than 10 persons there is a 20% reduction on the entry fees.
The Department of Antiquities can issue special entry cards for all its museums and ancient monuments: One (1) day entry cards - €8,50, three (3) day entry cards - €17,00, seven (7) day entry cards - €25,00.

Disabled Access: Partly accessible.

Website: www.mcw.gov.cy/da

Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice.

Visitors are advised to check before visiting.