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Archaeological Site of Kition: Unearthing Larnaca's Ancient Past

Journey through time in Larnaca at the Archaeological Site of Kition, where ancient civilizations have left their mark on Cyprus.

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Explore the ruins of Kition, an ancient city-kingdom in Larnaca, Cyprus, revealing layers of Mycenaean, Phoenician, and Classical Greek civilizations dating back to the 13th century BC. Discover temples, city walls, and harbor installations that narrate the story of a once-powerful maritime center.

A brief summary to Archaeological Site of Kition

Local tips

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, as shade is limited.
  • Consider purchasing special entry cards from the Department of Antiquities for discounts if you plan to visit multiple archaeological sites.
  • Take your time to read the information boards around the site to fully understand the historical context of the ruins.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Larnaca city center, the Archaeological Site of Kition is within walking distance. Head southeast on Archiepiskopou Kyprianou. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take local bus 425 from Larnaca city center near the Larnaca Marina. Ride the bus to the 'Kition' stop, which is about a 15-20 minute journey. From there, walk southeast along Archiepiskopou Kyprianou street for approximately 5 minutes to reach the site. A single bus fare costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Larnaca city center to the Archaeological Site of Kition is a short ride. The site is about 10 minutes away from the city center. Taxi fares in Larnaca start with a base fare of €3.80, and then €0.95 per kilometer during the day (06:01-20:30). A typical short trip will likely cost between €7-€15.

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Discover more about Archaeological Site of Kition

The Archaeological Site of Kition offers a captivating journey into the origins of modern Larnaca, Cyprus. This significant site reveals ruins dating back to the 13th century BCE, offering glimpses into the Mycenaean, Phoenician, and Classical Greek civilizations that once thrived here. Kition was initially settled by Mycenaean Greeks who capitalized on the local copper deposits. The city was fortified with cyclopean walls made of massive limestone blocks. Later, the Phoenicians inhabited the city and constructed a temple to Astarte, the goddess of fertility, in the 9th century BCE. The most interesting architectural remains are those of the Temple of Aphrodite-Astarte, built by the same Phoenician masons that built the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. In 312 BCE, Kition was occupied and subsequently destroyed by Ptolemy I Soter, an Egyptian Pharaoh, though habitation continued into Christian times. Kition was well known for its strategic harbor, which facilitated the export of agricultural products to the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, and the Aegean. The strategic position rendered it an exceptional naval base. Today, visitors can explore the excavated temples, city walls, and harbor installations, gaining insight into the maritime city-kingdom's past power. The site is linked to the Aphrodite Cultural Route and was one of the first to be excavated by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities after the island's independence. Although some areas are poorly preserved, informative signage enhances the experience.

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