Kourion is one of the most ancient and famous ancient city-states of Cyprus. It is located very close to modern Limassol on a 70 metre high hill. It was built in the XII century BC by the Mycenaeans, one of those who took part in the legendary Trojan War. The city existed for quite a long time, and throughout its history it belonged to different nations: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines. Unfortunately, in the IV century it was completely destroyed by a strong earthquake.
This ancient city has long stirred the minds of scientists not only in Cyprus, but also in other countries. For the first time its ruins were discovered in the XIX century, and constant excavations in this place have been conducted since the early 30's of the last century and continue to this day.
Although Kourion and preserved to this day much better than other ancient cities of the island, but on its territory remained only a few structures, to determine the purpose of which is not very difficult. For example, there you can see the ruins of the main city gates, which were called Paphos. Not far from them stands a building, which was named "mosaics of Achilles" due to the well-distinguished mosaic patterns on its walls and floors, depicting scenes of heroic feats of the famous Greek. The structure itself is a complex of several small buildings arranged in a rectangle, with a large open courtyard in the centre. In general, in Kurion you can see only the remains of walls and foundations of residential houses, administrative buildings and fortifications.
However, the most interesting attraction of the city is a well-preserved amphitheatre, a visit to which will leave a lot of impressions. Its upper stands offer a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and performances are still held there.
