Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gymnasium
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The remains of the city's gymnasium, with columned courtyard and adjacent pools, used
for exercise and pampering, allude to Salamis' original grandeur. Its northerly portico is
surrounded by headless statues despoiled by Christian zealots as symbols of pagan wor-
ship. Many that had survived numerous raids have disappeared since 1974. Fortunately,
some made it to Nicosia's Cyprus Museum and are now prized exhibits.
Baths
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
East of the portico are the Hellenistic and Roman baths, where you can see the exposed
under-floor heating system. The southern entrance has a fresco of two faces, and in the
south hall are two of the site's finest mosaics, dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.
One mosaic depicts Leda and the swan, the other Apollo and Artemis combating the
Niobids. Some believe that the latter is a scene of a battle between warriors and Amazons.
Theatre
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Dating from the time of Augustus (31 BC to AD 14), the theatre once held 15,000 spectat-
ors. Much of it was destroyed by earthquakes, leaving stone raiders to seize its blocks for
building projects elsewhere. Since then, it has been partially restored and occasionally
hosts outdoor events (look out for advertisements in Famagusta).
Roman Villa
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
South of the theatre, the villa was originally a two-storey structure made up of a reception
hall and an inner courtyard with columned portico. The villa was utilised long after the
city was finally abandoned and used as an olive oil mill. The grinding stone can still be
seen today.
Kambanopetra Basilica
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The vast remains of this 4th-century basilica are an entrancing spot with lonely columns
backed by the sea. Originally it would have been an impressive church with three apses.
In the complex behind the church (believed to have contained a bathhouse) there is an in-
tricate, well-preserved mosaic floor.
Basilica of Agios Epifanios
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Once the largest basilica in Cyprus, this church was built during the episcopacy of Epi-
fanios (AD 386-403) and completely destroyed during Arab raids in the 7th century.
