Archaeological Site of Amathus
- Λεμεσός
- Point of interest
Located a few kilometers east of the bustling city of Limassol, the Archaeological Site of Amathus holds the historical significance of once being a thriving center of civilization. Though much of the city-kingdom's grandeur has faded with time, the surviving remnants are undoubtedly noteworthy.
Historical records attribute the establishment of Amathus to the 11th century BC, aligning its foundation with other city-kingdoms in Cyprus. However, archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of human presence in the area dating back to the Neolithic era, several centuries later. Despite enduring destruction from earthquakes in the 4th century AD and Arab invasions in the 7th century AD, the city of Amathus managed to persist until the 12th century.
The city was structured on two levels—the upper and lower city. Atop the hill stood the Acropolis, most notably housing the sanctuary of Aphrodite. Its construction began during the Hellenistic period and was later expanded and completed in the Roman era, featuring a grand temple dedicated to the goddess. Noteworthy relics from the temple include two colossal vases adorned with bull figures, one of which remains at the Amathus Archaeological Site, while the other now resides at the Louvre museum in Paris.
The lower part of the site encompasses a relatively smaller area, centered around the Roman Agora. This area comprises the main market square, public baths, arcades, decorated columns, and other structures dating back to the Hellenistic period. The excavations have also unveiled numerous fragments of statues and impressive porticoes to the west and south.
Additional distinguished buildings and constructions have been brought to light through the excavations. Adjacent to the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the remains of a defensive stone wall that once surrounded the city can be found. Below the hill's summit lies what is believed to be the Palace of the kings of Amathus, dating between the late 9th and early 8th centuries. Furthermore, several basilicas have been discovered, and the port of Amathus, a remarkable project from the Hellenistic years built at the end of the 4th century BC, now lies preserved under the sea.
The Archaeological Site of Amathus undoubtedly offers an ideal destination for travelers seeking to explore Cyprus' captivating past, as it provides glimpses into the island's rich and complex ancient civilization.
Other locations
All locationsSecret Valley Golf Course
Πάφος | Golf club
Part of Venus Rock Golf Resort, Secret Valley Golf Course is a par 71, 18-hole champion course located within a picturesque valley near Kouklia village, in P...
Οινοποιείο Ζαμπάρτας
Λεμεσός | Winery
Η Κύπρος είναι γνωστή για τις μοναδικές ποικιλίες σταφυλιών που είναι αυτόχθονες του νησιού και ένα από τα πρωτοποριακά οινοποιεία που εφαρμόζουν την επιστήμ...
Αρχαιολογικός Χώρος Κουρίου
Λεμεσός | Monument
Στη δυτική ακτή της Λεμεσού, βρίσκονται τα αρχαιολογικά ερείπια μιας παλιάς πόλης-βασιλείου, του Κουρίου. Παρέχοντας αποδείξεις της προηγούμενης ζωής στο νησ...
Panagia tou Sinti
Πάφος | Church
In a small village of Paphos district is located a true religious gem, the old abandoned monastery of Panagias of Sintis, that its crumbling walls hint at a ...
MV Demetrios II Shipwreck
Πάφος | Point of interest
Silent and hauntingly beautiful, shipwrecks have intriguing stories to narrate. Among them M/V Demetrios II Shipwreck that was washed ashore in the coasts of...
Τάφοι των Βασιλέων
Πάφος | Monument
Φωλιασμένοι στις δυτικές ακτές της Κύπρου, οι Τάφοι των Βασιλέων είναι μια αρχιτεκτονικά εντυπωσιακή αρχαία νεκρόπολη και ίσως ένας από τους πιο αξιοθαύμαστο...