Sanctuary of Apollo🏺 historical
A sacred temple complex dedicated to Apollo Hylates, the god of the woodlands and protector of Kourion.
🌐 visitcyprus.com🕒 Sep 16-Apr 15 Mo-Su 08:30-17:00; Apr 16-Sep 15 Mo-Su 08:30-1
Plizio Visual Lab
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, located just west of the ancient city of Kourion, was one of the pre-eminent religious centres of ancient Cyprus. Apollo Hylates was worshipped here as the god of the woodland, with cult activities spanning from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. Most of the ruins currently visible date to the Roman restoration in the 1st century AD, although they rest upon earlier Archaic foundations. The extensive complex features a partially reconstructed temple, priest quarters, a palaestra for athletic training, and a sophisticated bathhouse. A unique aspect of the site is the enclosed sacred precinct, where archaeologists have discovered thousands of votive offerings made of terracotta and bronze. The sanctuary was originally linked to Kourion by a ceremonial processional road, highlighting its vital role in the region's spiritual life. Set among olive groves and cypress trees, the site still evokes the tranquil and sacred atmosphere of an ancient holy grove.
- Location: Cyprus
- Top sights: Sanctuary of Apollo · Curium Ancient Theatre
- Nearby: Kato Polemidia (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 93 | 61 | 34 | 17 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 41 | 90 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The archaeological site is open to visitors, with most areas accessible outdoors. A small entrance fee is typically charged on site, and sturdy footwear is advisable due to the uneven terrain.
Typical hours
Opening hours typically vary by season, with longer hours in summer and shorter in winter. The site is usually open daily from around 8:30 AM until sunset.
Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed throughout the site. Flash and tripod usage may be restricted in some areas to protect the ruins.
Time needed
For a thorough visit, you should allow about one to one and a half hours. If you are interested in history, you can plan for up to two hours to see all the details.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Kolossi Castle or the ancient Kourion. A trip to Limassol beach can also make for a pleasant afternoon.
Getting there
The sanctuary is located about 20 kilometers west of Limassol and is easily accessible by car. There is a small parking lot on site, and public bus connections are limited but possible.
Insider tip
Visit the site early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and tourist crowds. Bring plenty of water with you, as there are no drink vendors on site.
Geography
Facts
- The epithet 'Hylates' means 'of the woodland' in Ancient Greek.
- A massive earthquake in 365 AD caused the final destruction of the sanctuary.
- The main temple was designed in the Corinthian architectural style.
- The palaestra was used for training athletes who competed in sacred games.
- Legend states that those who touched the altar without permission were thrown into the sea.
- Excavations by the University of Pennsylvania revealed the extent of the ritual activities.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who was Apollo Hylates?
The god of the woodlands and the patron deity of ancient Kourion.
When was the sanctuary in use?
The site was in use from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.
What is the most striking building?
The partially reconstructed Temple of Apollo at the end of the sacred way.
How far is it from Kourion?
It is located about 2-3 kilometers west of the main Kourion archaeological site.
What happened to the site?
A massive earthquake in 365 AD destroyed most of the buildings.
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates: where is it located?
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates is located in Cyprus.
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sanctuary of Apollo, Curium Ancient Theatre.
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Oct, Nov.
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates: why is it worth visiting?
The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, located just west of the ancient city of Kourion, was one of the pre-eminent religious centres of ancient Cyprus.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Cyprus →
Nearby cities
Limassol
The second largest city in Cyprus and a major commercial and tourist hub.
Governor's Beach
Famous for the striking contrast between bright white limestone cliffs and dark sand, ideal for snorkeling and seafood dining.
Kato Polemidia
Kato Polemidia is a suburb to the northwest of Limassol.
Pissouri
An authentic Cypriot village perched on a hillside with a separate beach area in a sheltered bay.
History & landmarks
Limassol Carnival
An annual ten-day festival, the oldest and most popular in Cyprus.
Limassol Wine Festival
A popular festival in Limassol celebrating the Cypriot winemaking tradition.
Mount Olympus
The highest point in Cyprus, located in the Troodos Mountains (1,952 m).
Amathus
One of the most important ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus, located on the coast of Limassol.
Kouris River Delta
The mouth area of the Kouris River near Episkopi is an important ecological zone on the southern coast.
Akrotiri Peninsula
The Akrotiri Peninsula is located in the south of Cyprus near Limassol.
Akrotiri Peninsula Coast
The coastline of the Akrotiri Peninsula in southern Cyprus is characterized by wet marshlands and sand dunes.
Millomeris Waterfall
One of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus, located near Platres in the Troodos Mountains.
More places
Kourion
One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus, featuring a Roman theatre.
Kolossi Castle
A former Crusader stronghold located near Limassol.
Episkopi Bay Griffon Vultures
The cliffs around Episkopi Bay are one of the last breeding sites for the Griffon Vulture in Cyprus.
🗺️
Episkopi Desalination Plant
A vital plant that helps meet the water demands of the Limassol area.
Paramali Turtle Beach
A quieter beach where Green and Loggerhead turtles nest, managed by local conservation groups.
Kivides Poultry Production
Represents the large-scale poultry farming industry, a key part of the Cypriot agricultural economy.
🗺️
Kouris Dam Birdlife
As the largest reservoir in Cyprus, it's a crucial stopover for thousands of migratory birds.
Fasouri Watermania Waterpark
A large waterpark in Limassol with a wide range of slides, pools, and a lazy river.