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Pithos House: A Window to Cyprus's Chalcolithic Past

Explore a reconstructed Chalcolithic roundhouse in Kissonerga, Cyprus, and step back 5,000 years to discover the island's early inhabitants' daily life and heritage.

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Step back 5,000 years at Pithos House, a meticulously reconstructed roundhouse in Kissonerga, near Paphos, Cyprus. Explore the daily life and cultural heritage of the island's early inhabitants during the Chalcolithic period (2800-2400 BC). Discover the ingenuity and resilience of this ancient community through the remains of storage vessels and tools discovered within its walls.

A brief summary to Pithos House

  • Krasari 30, Kissonerga, CY

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Kissonerga-Skalia archaeological site to see Bronze Age settlements.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground around the site can be uneven.
  • Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, especially during the summer months.
  • Take time to read the informative signage to enhance your understanding of the site's historical significance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Pithos House using public transportation, take bus 615 or 607 to Kissonerga. From Paphos, the 607 bus departs from Karavella Bus Station every 3 hours and costs €2. From Coral Bay, take a bus marked 'Paphos' and get off at the Kissonerga stop after approximately 15 minutes. From the bus stop, walk east on the main road until you reach Krasari Street, then turn left. Pithos House will be located at Krasari 30 on your left. Be sure to check the bus schedule for the return trip, as services may vary.

  • Walking

    From the Kissonerga coastal walk, head inland towards Krasari street. Pithos House is located at Krasari 30. The walk is approximately 15 minutes from the coastal area. Note that the terrain can be uneven.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Paphos and Kissonerga. A taxi from Paphos to Kissonerga will cost approximately €7-14. The journey takes around 10 minutes. Tipping taxi drivers in Kissonerga is customary, typically around 10-12% of the total fare.

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Discover more about Pithos House

Located in the village of Kissonerga, near Paphos, Pithos House offers a captivating journey back to Cyprus's Chalcolithic period (approximately 2800-2400 BC). This isn't merely an archaeological site; it's a meticulously reconstructed roundhouse, offering visitors an immersive experience into the lives of Cyprus's early inhabitants. The original structure, known to archaeologists as Building 3, has earned international recognition due to the extraordinary number of 'pithoi,' or large storage vessels, discovered within its walls. The Pithos House, with its circular design and sturdy construction, represents a significant example of Late Chalcolithic architecture. Its reconstruction allows visitors to appreciate the scale and layout of these ancient homes, providing a tangible connection to the past. Excavated between 1979 and 1992, the site revealed a wealth of information about daily life in Chalcolithic Kissonerga. The house met a fiery end, a catastrophic event that paradoxically contributed to its remarkable preservation. The intense blaze carbonized and sealed many of the artifacts within, safeguarding them for millennia. The fire left behind tools for manufacturing, implements for food and liquid preparation, and what may be the earliest known olive press on the island. The presence of numerous storage vessels, some possibly containing olive oil, suggests the importance of agriculture and resource management in this ancient community. The Pithos House wasn't just an ordinary dwelling; it appears to have held a special significance within the community. The reconstruction of the Pithos House is a testament to the collaborative efforts of archaeologists, researchers, and local organizations. Today, the Pithos House serves as a visitor center, offering a fascinating glimpse into Cyprus's Chalcolithic past. Explore the reconstructed roundhouse, examine replicas of the artifacts discovered within, and learn about the daily lives of the people who once called this place home.

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