5 Fascinating Historical Sites in Cyprus - The Travelling Historian
Author: Designed by Contexture International | http://www.contextureintl.com
Description: 5 Fascinating Historical Sites in Cyprus - check out the five best sites to visit in Cyprus!
Date: 2013-12-31T16:53:41+00:00

| You are using an insecure version of your web browser. Please update your browser! Using an outdated browser makes your computer unsafe. For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser. Update Your Browser | Try Something New | Hide This Warning

The Travelling Historian

# 5 Fascinating Historical Sites in Cyprus

Posted by Marsha on December 31, 2013
10 Flares 10 Flares ×

## Guest Post: 5 Fascinating Historical Sites in Cyprus

Throughout our first year of marriage, my husband and I have spent time travelling and experiencing the world together. We have been all over the world and each trip has sort have taken on its own theme, whether it was romance, adventure, or simple relaxation. Our latest excursion together seemed to possess a historical theme. This most recent trip was to Cyprus and along the way we discovered some absolutely amazing historical sites. Here is a list of five of the most fascinating historical sites in Cyprus.

Kolossi Castle

The first of the historical sites in Cyprus on this list is Kolossi Castle. Located near the large resort of Limassol, there is easy access to this landmark. Built in the 13th century and re-built in the 15th century, the castle remains in good condition. The castle stands an impressive 69 feet high and its history is linked to the famous Knights Templar. With so much history, be sure to bring a guide-book with you as explanations are not clearly displayed.

Kolossi Castle per wikipedia

Tombs of the Kings

Another fascinating historical site worth visiting is the Tombs of the Kings. While the name can be misleading (the name comes from the grand architecture and scale of the buildings rather than kings being buried there), it does not take away from the experience of visiting the site. The tombs are mostly subterranean and range from simple tombs dug into the solid rock to elaborate tombs with corridors and multiple chambers. Be sure to bring water with you while visiting the tombs as they can get very hot during the summer.

Kourion (Curium)

Kourion, or Curium, is another spectacular destination steeped in history. Kourion is an amazing archaeological site that is also located near Limassol. Believed to have been first inhabited during Neolithic times (as early as 3900 BC), the site consists of mostly Byzantine and Ancient Roman ruins. The most impressive portion of these ruins is undoubtedly the ancient amphitheater. Believed to be mostly used for gladiator tournaments, the large theatre can seat around 3,000 people. Aside from simply visiting this breathtaking theatre, it is actually possible to attend live musical and theatrical performances there during the summer.

Kourion Theatre via Wikipedia

Kykkos Monastery

The Kykkos Monastery is another fantastic historical site worth visiting while in Cyprus. The monastery lies in the western part of the Troodos Mountains and is located only 18 kilometers away from the highest point in Cyprus. The monastery is considered to be the most important site of the Cypriot Orthodox Christian religion as it houses the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary. Painted by St. Luke, the icon itself is considered to be too sacred to look at and as such is covered by a silver plate which has a representation of the icon embossed on it.

Kykkos Monastery via Wikipedia

Choirokoitia

Last, but certainly not least on this list is the historical site of Choirokoitia. This historical site was a prehistoric agricultural settlement and is believed to be the location of the first human habitation on the island of Cyprus. The site has been fully excavated and many of the original huts have been reconstructed to give visitors a better idea of what life was like there.

Choirokoitia via Wikipedia

While there are many amazing historical locations and landmarks throughout the island of Cyprus, these are the five that my husband and I found most fascinating. Each of these sites offers something different and they are unique in their own ways. While these historical sites may be more interesting to some than others, no matter what type of vacation you are looking for, a trip to Cyprus likely won’t disappoint.

Gaby Lucius likes to spend her time traveling the world with her long-suffering husband, Mike. Thankfully, their mutual love for food and history has kept their marriage alive over the years. When she’s not trotting around the globe, she does freelance writing for Holiday Place, sharing her adventures with the world.

Posted under Cyprus Travel,Travel Tips and tagged with Choirokoitia, Cyprus, Kolossi Castle, Kourion, Kykkos Monastery
Comments (0)

### Leave a ReplyCancel reply