SANCTUARY OF APOLLO HYLATES

This archaeological site (Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, Ιερό του Απόλλωνα Υλάτη/Iero tou Apollona Ylati) houses the remains of the main sanctuary of the ancient city-state of Kourion. A place of worship used between the ^8th century BC and the ^4th century AD, it was dedicated to Hylates, the Cypriot god of the Forest, who was assimilated to Apollo after the arrival of the Greeks in the ^7th century BC. The site is superb, lined with cypress trees and overlooking Episkopi Bay and the Kensington cliffs. Access to the sanctuary was via two gates, the Paphos gate to the west and the Kourion gate to the east. The main temple occupies a central, slightly elevated position. Identified by two columns and a section of wall recently excavated by archaeologists, it was altered several times, mainly in the ^1st century AD, and destroyed by an earthquake around 364-365. Access is via a sacred way, a main street laid out at the end of the Hellenistic period or at the beginning of the Roman era. Nearby, traces remain of an archaic altar and a circular building probably used for ritual dances around a sacred grove. To the north and south, several buildings were added during the Roman period to accommodate offerings and pilgrims, including a gallery (stoa), baths and a palestra for training young athletes who competed in games in honor of Apollo Hylates.