Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates

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

Kourion

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.

PORTFOLIO

The Sanctuary and Temple of Apollo Hylates at Kourion.
The palaestra (sports centre) of the sanctuary was the training ground for activities such as wrestling. It dates from the 1st century AD.
The palaestra (sports centre) of the sanctuary.
The Temple of Apollo Hylates built on a stepped platform in the early reign of Trajan.
The Temple of Apollo Hylates was built on a stepped platform in the early reign of Trajan.
The Temple of Apollo Hylates was a small tetrastyle prostyle temple with a cella and vestibule in antis, and unfluted calcareous columns with capitals of the Nabatean style, known also as Cypro-Corinthian.
The Temple of Apollo Hylates was a small tetrastyle prostyle temple with a cella and vestibule in antis and unfluted calcareous columns with capitals of the Nabatean style, also known as Cypro-Corinthian.
The Temple of Apollo Hylates built on a stepped platform in the early reign of Trajan and partially reconstructed in 1980.
The Temple of Apollo Hylates was partially reconstructed in 1980.
the South and North Buildings, which may have been used for the display of votives or the accommodation of visitors.
The so-called South Building may have been used for the accommodation of visitors.
The so-called South Building which may have been used for the accommodation of visitors.
The so-called South Building may have been used for the accommodation of visitors.
The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates at Kourion.
The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates at Kourion.

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