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Cyprus : Ancient Amathous

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Ancient Amathous

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  • The foundations of ancient temples, city walls and Byzantine churches mark this evocative hillside archaeological site just outside Limassol. Founded more than 3,000 years ago, Amathous was rediscovered during the 19th century, but archaeologists continue to uncover new finds here every year. Once on the waterfront, Amathous’s harbour silted up centuries ago and the site is now some distance from the sea.

Top 10 Sights
  • 1. Gymnasium

    Just within the entrance to the site, stone columns mark the site of the Hellenistic gymnasium, where the city’s athletes trained and competed.

  • Church of the Port 2. Church of the Port
    2. Church of the Port

    To the left of the entrance are the foundations of a very early Christian basilica, dating from the 5th century AD.

  • Acropolis 3. Acropolis
    3. Acropolis

    Parts of the ramparts which defended this low hilltop at the heart of the city survive, along with the foundations of a Byzantine basilica and the remains of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite.

  • Agora 4. Agora
    4. Agora

    This expanse of worn limestone slabs was the central gathering space and focus of the ancient city, and its size is an indicator of Amathous’s importance during its heyday. Some of the columns that surrounded the square have been rebuilt.

  • 5. Aqueduct

    The aqueduct and an advanced system of mains and sluices supplied the whole of ancient Amathous and its citizens with fresh water. The fascinating remains can still be seen at the northwest (upper) corner of the Agora.

  • Roman Baths 6. Roman Baths
    6. Roman Baths

    Between the agora and the original harbour site, geometric mosaics of black and white pebbles were created as the floor of the Roman baths .

  • Hellenistic Houses 7. Hellenistic Houses
    7. Hellenistic Houses

    Excavations continue to take place along this steep, stepped street which is lined with the walls and foundations of Hellenistic houses and shops , and new discoveries are regularly being made.

  • Necropolis 8. Necropolis
    8. Necropolis

    The Necropolis, or Roman cemetery, is on the opposite bank of the small Amathous river from the main site. Tombs were cut into the rock, and some of them were re-used centuries later during the Christian Byzantine era.

  • Chapel of Agia Varvara 9. Chapel of Agia Varvara
    9. Chapel of Agia Varvara

    The walls of this chapel are decorated with frescoes of saints and martyrs, blackened with the smoke of centuries of votive candles.

  • 10. Medieval Mosaics

    Next to the chapel of Agia Varvara, seek out the mosaic floors of the medieval monastery which once stood here. Agia Varvara (St Barbara) is still revered by Greek Orthodox worshippers.

Practical Information
To cool off after walking around the site, head for the sea at Agios Georgios Alamanou. The beach is pebbly, but the water is clean and there’s a good, basic taverna, the Paraliako Kentro (996 24376). Coast road, 11 km (7 miles) east of Limassol Open 9am–6pm daily (until 7:30pm Jun–Aug) Adm CY£0.75
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