Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Soloi then languished until Roman times, when it flourished once again thanks to its
rich copper mines. As was the case in many parts of Cyprus, Soloi and its wealth suffered
sacking and looting by Arab raiders in the 7th century AD.
Soloi Basilica
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
St Mark was baptised at Soloi by St Auxibius and its first church is thought to have been
built in the 4th century. From what's left today it is difficult to appreciate the size and ex-
tent of the church, which by all accounts was impressive.
Most notable are the surviving decorated floors, including the mosaic of a swan with
entwined floral patterns and small dolphin nearby.
Roman Theatre
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The Roman theatre is somewhat restored, after much of its original stonework, taken by
the British in the late 19th century, was used to rebuild the dockside at Port Said.
The theatre is said to have been able to accommodate up to 4000 spectators in its day.
The famous Roman statuette of Aphrodite of Soli was discovered nearby. It is now on dis-
play in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia (Lefkosia).
Ancient Vouni
Ancient Vouni
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
(Vouni Sarayı; adult/student 5/3TL;
h
8am-7pm May-Sep, to 3.30pm Oct-Apr)
The ruins may be sparse but the views here are truly glorious and well worth the trip. On a
superb hilltop location this ancient site originally housed a palace and extensive building
complex dating back to the 4th century BC.
The site consists of a discernible megaron (three-part rectangular room with central
throne), private rooms and steps leading down to a courtyard and cistern. Here there's a
pear-shaped stone believed to have supported a windlass (a machine for raising weights).
Vouni's origins and history are convoluted, but it's speculated that the palace was built
by a Persian ruler from the nearby city kingdom of Marion (today's Polis). The intent was
to watch over the nearby Greek-aligned city of Soloi. However, this is unconfirmed at
best, and based on scant entries by Herodotus, in Book V of his
Histories
. It is true,
however, that the stronghold does exhibit Persian palace architecture, which was added to
and embellished later under Hellenistic rulers.
The palace was burned down in 380 BC (it's not known why or by whom) and was nev-
er re-established. Today the scant remains stand lonely on its hill, commanding excellent
panoramic views across the region.
