Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Originally a palace dating from the early Roman period, this complex was subsequently
altered in the 3rd century AD and made a more communal space for the local residents,
with extensive baths, courtyards and halls. Its colourful, Christian-influenced mosaic
floors are well preserved and make a mention of the builder, Eustolios, and the decidedly
non-Christian patron, Apollo. Look for the Christian motifs of cross-shaped ornaments
and fish.
Early Christian Basilica
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The early Christian basilica displays all the hallmarks of an early church, with foundations
clearly showing the existence of a narthex, diakonikon (a storage area for agricultural
products used by priests and monks), various rooms, a baptistery and an atrium. Some
floor mosaics are also visible among the remains.
Northern Plateau Ruins
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The ruins of Hellenistic and Roman Kourion lay on the northern plateau. The Roman
Agora and Stoa, with its colonnade of 16 marble columns, sit alongside the early Christian
basilica.
Just to the north, a wooden walkway leads you over the substantial remnants of the Ro-
man city baths, irrigation system, and the nymphaeum. The foundations of the public
baths with the layout of the frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room) and caldari-
um (hot room) can still be clearly seen.
House of the Gladiators
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
At the northwestern edge of the site you come to the House of the Gladiators, so called
because of two fairly well-preserved floor mosaics depicting gladiators in combat dress.
Two of these gladiators, Hellenikos and Margaritis, are shown practising with weapons.
Just to the north is the
House of Achilles
where a fragment of a beautifully intricate
floor mosaic depicting Achilles meeting with Odysseus has survived.
TIPS FOR ANCIENT KOURION
A
Ancient Kourion is firmly on the coach-tour and school-excursion trail. Come early in the morning or late in
the afternoon, when the site is usually less crowded.
A
If you do get there at the same time as a bus load don't fear. Most groups only tour the Roman theatre and the
House of Eustolius. Start your visit at the Northern Plateau Ruins and by the time you get to the theatre the
crowds should have dispersed.
