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Archaeological Site of Kition: Unearthing Larnaca's Ancient Past

Uncover ancient civilizations at Kition, Larnaca: a journey through Mycenaean, Phoenician, and Greek history on the shores of Cyprus.

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Explore the ruins of Kition, an ancient city-kingdom in Larnaca, Cyprus, revealing layers of Mycenaean, Phoenician, and Greek civilization dating back to the 13th century BC. Discover temples, fortifications, and a harbor that once played a vital role in Mediterranean trade.

A brief summary to Archaeological Site of Kition

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking over uneven terrain.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the site in peace.
  • Take time to read the information boards around the site that explain the historical context of the ruins.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Larnaca, such as Finikoudes Beach, the Archaeological Site of Kition is approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Head southeast along Athinon Avenue, then turn left onto Archiepiskopou Kyprianou. Continue straight; the site will be on your right. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Larnaca Bus Station, take a local bus towards Kiti or Dhekelia. Ask the driver for the stop closest to the Archaeological Site of Kition. The bus fare is approximately €1.50. After getting off, walk along Archiepiskopou Kyprianou Avenue for about 5 minutes to reach the site.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Larnaca. A taxi ride from the city center to the Archaeological Site of Kition typically costs between €10-€15. Simply tell the driver you wish to go to the Archaeological Site of Kition on Archiepiskopou Kyprianou Avenue.

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Discover more about Archaeological Site of Kition

The Archaeological Site of Kition, located in the heart of modern-day Larnaca, offers a captivating journey into Cyprus's ancient past. This historical landmark reveals the architectural ruins of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition, providing the first clear evidence of Mycenaean Achaeans arriving in Larnaca in the 13th century BC. They remained until the end of the 11th century BC. The Phoenicians inhabited the city in the 9th century BC. Around the end of the 13th century, Mycenaean Achaeans fortified the city with cyclopean walls made of giant blocks of limestone. Later on, the Phoenicians settled in the area in the 9th century, and built the temple of Astarte, Goddess of Fertility, related with the worship of Goddess Aphrodite. 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, both originating in the 9th century BC. Visitors can explore the remains of five successive temples and copper processing workshops dating back to the Late Bronze Age and Geometric periods. The site also features remnants of the city's defensive walls, including cyclopean walls from the 13th century BC. Of particular interest are the drawings of ships etched into the walls of buildings at the ancient port, reflecting Kition's maritime importance. The site is linked to the Aphrodite Cultural Route.

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