Ancient Amathous

Ancient Amathous, east of Limassol along the coast road toward Ayia Napa, is one of the nine ancient kingdoms of Cyprus and an important archaeological site. The ruins occupy a commanding hilltop position above the sea, with sweeping views along the coast and a lower city area that runs down toward the water.

The site is extensive — covering both an acropolis with the remains of temples to Aphrodite and Hera, and a lower city with an agora, baths, and Byzantine remains. The famous giant storage vessels (pithoi) found here are now in major museums around the world, and a reconstruction of one stands at the site. The coastal setting is lovely, and the site is never overcrowded. It is easily combined with a beach stop at Governors Beach, about ten kilometres further east.

things to do sight archaeology
A story
Amathous was one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Cyprus, with roots stretching back to the 11th century BC. Its most famous mythological connection is to Theseus: according to legend, Ariadne — who had helped Theseus escape from the Minoan labyrinth — was abandoned here on her way back to Athens when Theseus's ship was blown off course. She died at Amathous giving birth, and a shrine in her honour was maintained in the city for centuries.