A visit to the Archaeological Site of Kourion makes an easy day trip from Pafos—it takes about 45 minutes to drive there. The oldest architectural remains on the site date from the Hellenistic period (325-50 BCE). Examine the remaining structures and you can witness the shift from the polytheistic religion of Greek mythology to monotheistic Christianity. The Roman Nymphaeum, for example, was built in the first century CE and served as a sanctuary for the Nymphs, the daughters of Poseidon (god of the sea). The House of Achilles, built in the fourth century CE, has floor mosaics with pagan themes—including one featuring Achilles, son of a king and a Nymph, meeting Odysseus. At about the same time, though, Christian themes and images were incorporated into building design. The House of Eustolios, for example, was built during the early Roman period, remodelled in the third and fourth centuries, and lavishly rebuilt during the fifth century. A late mosaic inscription there says, ‘This house … has now girt itself with the much-venerated symbols of Christ’. During the fourth-century reign of Roman emperor Theodosius I, paganism was suppressed and cultic worship at temples ceased. Other examples of the rise of Christianity in Kourion include the fourth-century establishment of an episcopal diocese and the ruins of a fifth-century basilica. The site includes the remains of an agora, baths, and a theatre. Now restored, the theatre offers performances overlooking the sea; it’s an excellent way to complete your day’s adventure.
