The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates lies two miles west of Kourion near Limassol. This large sacred complex, one of Cyprus‘s most important religious centres, was established in the 8th century BC and was used continuously until the 4th century AD. Here Apollo was worshipped as the god of the woodlands.

Coordinates: 34° 40′ 22.22″ N 32° 51′ 49.31″ E

The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates witnessed major changes during Roman times. Until the 1st century AD, the centre of religious activity was an archaic altar precinct. Early in the reign of Trajan in AD 101, the temple was given its four-column porch. At the same time, several new buildings were erected to accommodate an increasing number of visitors to the Sanctuary. The complex was severely damaged in an earthquake in the middle of the 4th century AD and was abandoned.

Covering an area of more than 15,000 square metres, the remains of the Sanctuary consist of the Temple of Apollo, the priests’ quarters, the baths, the palaestra where athletic games took place and a long colonnaded stoa.