Cyprus has preserved quite a lot of ancient heritage. But the most beautiful and the richest attraction is the archaeological complex-museum, located on the territory of the ancient city of Kourion. It was founded in 1200 BC.

Historians suggest that the founders and the first inhabitants of this ancient polis were representatives of the Aegean civilization. They built houses, roads, temples, baths, aqueducts, and fountains. In its heyday, Kourion was a major city that attracted people from all over Cyprus and other countries.

Unfortunately, in the 4th century AD, the city suffered a great misfortune – a devastating earthquake nearly wiped it off the face of the earth. But no matter how harsh nature was, some inhabitants stayed here and tried to restore at least part of its former greatness. Thanks to them, some temples and important beautiful houses were preserved. A few townspeople cherished their ancient homeland for more than three centuries. But in the 7th century, after regular Arab raids, they had to leave Kourion to save their lives.

Today, Kourion is one of the most beautiful architectural parks with ancient ruins and restored buildings. The most noteworthy attraction there is the complex of Eustolios, the house of a wealthy citizen, built in the fourth century AD: large rooms, thermae, luxurious mosaics. The house of Achilles, unfortunately, is not so well preserved: only the mosaic floors remain. A Christian basilica was built here in the fifth century. Decorated with a large number of marble sculptures, it had represented one of the main architectural gems of the old city until it was destroyed by the earthquake, like most of the buildings. But the ancient sculptures were saved, as the locals had moved them to the neighboring village, probably planning to build a new temple there.

You can walk around Kourion endlessly. It is a very beautiful place that attracts millions of people. It is always interesting to know what life was like thousands of years ago.