LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

This tour will allow us to explore two major historical sites of Cyprus, as we will travel through a landscape shaped by a rich and turbulent past. From ancient to modern times, signs of the past are scattered around, and in searching for them we will soak up the atmosphere of bygone days.

This tour will allow us to explore two major historical sites of Cyprus, as we will travel through a landscape shaped by a rich and turbulent past. From ancient to modern times, signs of the past are scattered around, and in searching for them we will soak up the atmosphere of bygone days. We will leave our ship for Curium, one of the seven ancient kingdoms of Cyprus, inhabited until 400AD. Impressive Greek and Roman ruins stand on a high promontory overlooking the Azure Mediterranean sea. Our visit will include the three excavated sites: the semicircular Roman theatre which once hosted comedies, tragedies and wild animal fights; the House of Eustolios, which once served as a public bath house and noted for its remnants of beautiful floor mosaics; and the early Christian Basillica, which is an excellent representation of the typical cathedral layout of those times, complete with several columns and arches still in tact. After enjoying some refreshments close to Curium, we continue with the tour. Next a short drive will take us to Kolossi Castle. This fortified keep, with 3 metre (10 feet) thick walls, was built by the knights of St John of Jerusalem, who were granted estates here back in 1210AD as a reward for their services during the crusades. Here we will have an opportunity to visit the castle, which today still stands in an excellent condition as a reminder of Limassol’s past.

Please note that there is a moderate amount of walking involved in this tour. The ground at Curium is uneven and slightly uphill, and there are approximately 19 steps to visit the theatre. There is a walk of approximately 120 metres (400 feet) to visit the Basillica. At Kolossi Castle there are 25 steps to enter the hall; there are also steep, winding steps up to the second and third floors, to get to the viewpoints.