Kourion, Cyprus
Today we had a wonderful driver and guide with us to see some archeological sites outside of the city of Paphos. Made for a fun relaxing day to have the transportation all managed and by someone with a wealth of knowledge about Cyprus and the sites we visited.
We drove east roughly along the coast. Stopped first at Aphrodite’s rock. Myth and legend are that Aphrodite was born from the foam of the waves here and that if you swim 3 times around the rock you will have eternal love. Since we already have the eternal love of our Savior, we opted out of the swim!
Next we visited the large ancient site of Kourion. This city was on the road to Paphos. Paul and company would have had to walk through here. It has been settled since the 12 th c BC. The remains that are excavated and visible today are from the 2nd c BC (restored Greco Roman theater) through the 5 th c AD. Many mosaics floors survive, including one with 2 Christian inscriptions, "this house is girt by the much venerated signs of Christ" and beautiful early Christian symbols of doves, fish and peacocks. There were several really excellent examples of bath complexes.
The site has 2 early Christian churches from the early 5th century. Nearby are two other 4-5th c basilica remains that are closed to visitors but we were able to get some drone photos.
The sanctuary of Apollo Hyalites is nearby, along the road which leads to Paphos. Apollo was worshipped as god of the woodlands. Findings at the site date back to the 8th c BC. Most of the restoration work is on the 1st c AD temple.
Our guide dropped us off at the airport and we’ve now made it to Malta! Tomorrow we will explore the bay where tradition holds St Paul shipwrecked and see some other sites associated with Paul’s several months on the island.
Good night and God Bless! PB & Margery, Scott & Shelly
The ancient city of Kourion, Cyprus
