Social Program and Tours

TBA
All noon-time tours include brown-bag lunch boxes.

Kourion Tours – Thursday November 3, 11:30-15:30 – Limassol Area

An interesting and invaluable tour of Kourion will take you to some of the amazing sights Kourion has to offer.

The valley of the river Kouris known in the archaeological topography as the Kourion area is one of the richest sites of the entire island in archaeological terms.

THE THEATRE

The ancient Hellenistic Theatre with the circular orchestra and the elevated scenae frons (the forehead of the stage), was constructed probably around the late 2nd century A.D., The stage and the buttresses of the two wings over the entries of the chorus suffered serious damage. 
The emperor Augustus might have undertaken some restoration works, which, some time later, influenced the total ground plan of the monument. While these works were going on, the Theatre was apparently reduced and many of the auditoria were used as construction material for the new buttresses of the two wings. The semi columns of the stage were coated with red lime mortar. 
According to a relevant inscription, which was on several architraves, the stage or its forehead was apparently restored some time later than the mid 1st century A.D., 64/65 A.D under the consulship of Julius Cordus, who was serving under the emperor Nero.

In the early 2nd century A.D. the Theatre took the shape and the dimensions that it still has. The cavea, the landings and the buttresses were extended to the initial dimensions of the Hellenic Theatre and the first entry of the chorus was fully reconstructured. The stage was also reshaped with calcareous architectural sculpture parts.  This latest constructive phase experienced changes in the late 2nd century A.D., mainly on the level of the architectural sculptures, which were replaced by marble ones. The wall of the rear façade was maintained and its part, which was visible by the cavea was covered by marble revetments. These works were connected to the emperor Septimius Severus and a setter up prizes in athletic games, who is recorded in inscriptions.  In the 3rd A.D. under Caracalla reign 214-217 A.D. the first three rows of seats were ripped and the theatre was converted to an arena for gladiatorial contests. In the late half of the 3rd century the monument tasted shifted again back into its initial use. For this purpose its orchestra was remodeled.

Chambers hewed under the cavea of the Theatre were probably used to meet the needs of the gladiatorial contests or the storerooms.

The Theatre was destroyed and let lapse into disuse definitely in the 4th century A.D.

The Theatre has now been greatly restored by the known Greek restorer Antonis Travlos.

It has a capacity of 3000 spectators. 
Other Interesting places to visit on the Kourion Tour are the:

THE FORUM (AGORA)

The Forum Complex, which is situated northeastern the face of the hill comprises a series of public constructions and hydraulic installations, which were mainly excavated in the period 1975-1997.

THE PORTICOES

A colonnade composed of 16 marble columns with Corinthian capitals (6 among the columns have been found at their initial position) and fragments of the relevant parallel wall constitutes the north wing of the whole Porticoes, which surrounded the big square. It was constructed in the late 2nd century A.D. or in the early 3rd century A.D. It was destroyed in the mid 4th century A.D. and was abandoned for several years to be replaced in the early 5th century by various early Christian buildings

THE NORTH EASTERN HELLINISTIC PUBLIC BUILDING

It is the most ancient monument, which has ever been found in the city of Kourion. The south foundation of the outer wall and the lower fragments of several dividing small inner walls have remained. The excavators have made out three architectural phases, which date from 325-200 A.D., 200-100 A.D. to 100-50 A.

THE ROMAN NYMPHAEUM

The nymphaeum, the sacred place devoted to the nymphs, the daughters of Poseidon, sheltered a great cluster of constructions related to the irrigation of the city. Three big units, a rectangular arched chamber for meetings, the small atrium and the cluster of cisterns with the fountains, constituted the nucleus of this huge building, which besides all the above, comprised also two big cluster of baths. It was constructed in the 1st century A.D. and was destroyed in the 7th century in the period of the Arab raids.

Four chronological phases were detected by the excavators, which date from 15-100 A.D., 100-250 A.D., 250-370 A.D. to 400-650 A.D.

THE STADIUM

Between the City and the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates there is the Stadium that we see today, which was constructed in the period of Antoninus 2nd century A.D.). The Hellenic Pentathlon (running, high jump, long jump, wrestling, javelin,) should have been the basic sports practised in this Stadium. Chariot and horse races related to the cult of Apollo should also have been practised there since the Archaic period according to the testimonies obtained in ceramic and plastic that is to say the clusters of pottery offerings to the Sanctuary but not to the precise Stadium the turn of which was too small for horse races.

Southern the Stadium there is westwards a fragment of the aqueduct, which was transporting water to Kourion from the rich springs of the Zanatzia area. It was also destroyed in the 4th century A.D. 

Omodos Village Tours – Friday November 4, 12:30-15:00 – Limassol Area

This Relaxing tour will take us to one of the most beautiful villages in Cyprus, and enable us to see a part of the island's agricultural countryside where forests give way to extensive vineyards.

By coach we will pass through the village of Zakaki and the Phassouri plantations, with their citrus groves and avocado trees, and travel by Kolossi Castle.  We will then continue uphill amid carob and olive trees though to a low pine forest, on to the vineyards of Omodos.The vineyeards of Cyprus have produced wines for many years due to the rich and fruitful surrounding countryside.

Omodos village is situated in the foothills of the Troodoes Mountain range, nestling in a quiet valley.  As we stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and square, surrounded by picturesque white-painted houses, we're sure to feel an atmosphere of days long gone, that time has left untouched.  We will see an old 'linos' (wine press), and visit the Church of the Holy Cross.  It is said that within a silver cross here, there is a piece of the cross of the crucifixion of Jesus, donated by St Helen.  There is a fine 'iconostasi' (icon altar) to admire.

Free time should be avaliable to browse round the local village shops that sell handicrafts, glassware and wine.

Our final stop before heading back to the hotel will be at a local 'taverna' Resturant - where we can taste typical Cypriot Food and sample the local wine for which Omodos region is famous.

Please bring along a jacket, as the temperature in Omodos in winter can be much cooler than in Limassol.

Local Tours – Ancient Amathous and Downtown Limassol– Thursday November 3, TBA – Limassol Area

The truely histroric tour Ancient Amathous:

The history of Cyprus dates to the early years and near Ayios Tychon there are the ruins of Amathus, one of the biggest ancient kingdoms of the island. Amathus, one of the most ancient royal cities according to the legend, was settled by one of the sons of Heracles, who was worshipped there. According to other legends, Ariadne, the beautiful daughter of Minos, who fled from Labyrinth in Crete with Theseus, was later abandoned in Amathus. She died there while giving birth to her child and was buried in a sacred tomb.

What is certain, which is undoubtedly historical evidence, is that the area was populated at least 3000 years ago. The city took its name from Amathusa, the mother of King Kinyras from Paphos.

Amathus was built on the coastal cliffs with an amazing view to the sea. It flourished and became a rich kingdom since the early years of its settlement. During the Post Phoenician Era (800 B.C.) a port was also constructed there, which served the trade with the Greeks and the Levantines. High on the cliff a temple was built, which became a special worship site to Aphrodite, the goddess of Beauty and Love. The excavators discovered the Temple of Aphrodite, which dates approximately to the first century B.C.

According to the legend, it was where Adonia took place, in which athletes competed in hunting wild boars during sport competitions. They also competed in dancing and singing to the honour of Adonis.

Amathus was a rich and densely populated kingdom with a flourishing agriculture and mines situated very close northeast Kalavasos. In the Roman Era it became the capital of one out of the four (4) administrative regions. Later, in the 4th century A.D. it became the Episcopal See and continued to flourish until the Byzantine Period. At approximately the Late 6th century A.D., Ayios Ioannis Eleimonas (Saint John Charitable), protector of the knights was born in Amathus.

Until 1191 when Richard the Lionheart arrived in Cyprus, Amathus had declined. The tombs were plundered and the stones from the beautiful edifices were brought to Limassol to be used for new constructions. Much later, in 1869, a great number of blocks of stone from Amathus were used for the construction of the Suez Canal.

Archaeological excavations in the area by parties of Cypriots and French archaeologists started in 1980 and continue until today. The Acropolis, the Aphrodite’s Temple, the market, the city’s walls, the Basicila and the port have all been excavated.

It is an amazing opportunity for the visitor to ramble over the area and have the feeling of living as they used to live. The visitors have a wonderful chance to explore the area and see rare and beautiful archaeological treasures, which are buried in the soil for centuries.

In the market there are marvellous marble columns decorated with spiral ornaments and huge paved precincts. At the coastal side of the city there are indications of an Early Christian Basilica with floors decorated with precious gems. Farther, near the terraced road leading to the Temple, situated on the top of the cliff, several houses built in a row dating to the Hellenistic Period have been discovered. In the east and west extremes of the city the two acropolis are situated, where a number of tombs have been found, many of which are intact.

You might admire many of the interesting hand-made items with an archaeological value, which have been found during the excavations and are actually exposed at the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia as well as at the Limassol District Archaeological Museum or even at the New York Metropolitan Museum. The biggest treasure of Amathus is exposed at Paris Louvre Museum. It is a dim made from limestone, which dates to the 6th century B.C. It is 1.85 m. high and weighs 14 tons. It was made from a single big stone and has four (4) curved handles decorated with the head of a bull. It was used for storing the must from the grapes, which after the fermentation it became wine, which Cyprus is famous for.

The town of Limassol has many interesting and cultural opportunites:

The Archaeological Museum
Kaningos - Vyronos corner, near the Public Garden. Tel. no.. 305132
The museum provides a very interesting collection of antiquities found in the district of Lemesos (Limassol), dating from the Neolithic age to the Roman period.

Some of the archaeological discoveries are:
Stone axes of the Neolithic and Chalcolithic period, potteries and objects of the ancient cities of Curium and Amathus, as well as roman terra cottas, gold jewelery, coins, sculptures, columns, vases, earrings, rings, necklaces, marble statues etc.

The Folk Art Museum
253, Ayiou Andreou Street, Tel. 362303
This beautifully preserved old house provides a very interesting collection of Cypriot Folk Art of the last two centuries. Some of the most fascinating objects of the collection are: national costumes, tapestry, embroidery, wooden chests, waistcoats, men’s jackets, necklaces, a variety of light clothes, town costumes, country tools etc.
The museum was established in 1985. More than 500 exhibits are housed in its six rooms. The museum was awarded the Europa Nostra prize, in 1989. Here, the visitor can study Cypriot culture through the hand-made exhibits.

The Municipal Art Gallery
28th October Str., Tel. 343212
The Gallery has a splendid collection of paintings, including works of Cypriot artists, on permanent display. Some of them are:

The Medieval Museum
(Within the Castle), Tel. no. (05) 305419
This rich medieval museum is found inside the castle of the town, which is close to the old port. The collection that the museum provides covers the era of 400 - l870 A.D. A visitor can see numerous exhibits: cannons, wood carvings of the 17th and 18th century, paintings and tombstones, statues, suits of armor, coins, terracotta, metalware and pottery, glass and marble articrafts.
According to the tradition, Richard the Lionheart is said to have married Queen Berengaria of Navarre in this castle in 181 and crowned her Queen of England.

The Castle
The Castle was built by the Byzantines around l000 A.D. Around the same period, a chapel was also built there. According to the legend, it was in this chapel that the wedding of Richard the Lionheart with Berengaria took place, when the king was landed near Amathus, on his way to the Holy Land during the third Crusade. When the chapel was destroyed by an earthquake in 184, a new church of Gothic style was built in its place by the Knights Templar in the same year. With the extension later of the Castle the church came to be included in the Castle grounds. Later on, in 1382, the interior of the church (today’s basement chapel, cells, towers) became part of the castle.

The Castle was conquered by the Mamelukes in 1426 and it later on surrendered to the Knights of the Order of St. John. The Venetians pulled the oId Castle down and used the stones to build the city walls, between 1559 and 1567. The Turks erected part of the Castle in 1570, using it for the defense of the city. The Castle was used as a prison, between 1790-1940. After a few minor repairs in 1951, it was temporarily used as the Archaeological Museum of Lemesos (Limassol).

The Public Garden and the Zoo
They are situated on the coastal road. They provide a great variety of vegetation: eucalyptus trees, pine trees and cypresses. In this beautiful environment the citizens of Lemesos (Limassol) and many visitors can walk around and enjoy themselves.

The two stone statues of lions, which were placed in the south entrance of the garden in 1911, keep wakeful guard over the garden and its visitors. A little further, there is the magnificent bust of Christodoulos Sozos, a hero who was a Mayor of Lemesos (Limassol), and a Member of Parliament. He died while he was fighting for liberty and democracy on the 6th of December 1912, on the hill of the prophet Elias at loannina, in Creece. His bust was placed there on the 14th June 1915.

Inside the garden, there is a small zoo. There, the visitor can see deer, moufflons, ostriches, pheasants, tigers, lions, an elephant, monkeys, vultures, pelicans and other animals and different kinds of birds.

Not far from the zoo there is the small natural history museum and the garden theatre that is reconstructed to host famous international groups. A few yards away there is the bust of the Limassolian writer N. Nicolaides bearing the inscription «Nicos Nicolaides Artist, a distinguished writer, 1884-1956».

ISNM 2005 Dinner – Thursday November 3, 2005 – Limassol Castle

Will be held off-site at the historic Limassol Castle. Built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier Byzantine castle it houses the Cyprus Mediaeval Museum. It was here that, according to tradition, Richard the Lionheart married Verengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England in 1191.

ISNM 2005 Banquet – Friday, November 4, 2005 – Mediterranean Beach Hotel

Outdoors at the Mediterranean Beach Hotel Taverna, weather permitting, or indoors at the Hotel Dining Room, will feature live Cypriot music, traditional dancing and entertainment.

Social Tour to Kourion, Aphrodite’s Rock and Pafos – Saturday, November 5, 13:30-20:30 – with lunch at Kourion

You can channel the spirit of Aphrodite here at the spot where the goddess of love and beauty emerged from the sea. One of the legends of the rock is that if you swim around it three times naked under a full moon, you’ll fall in love. While the legend probably isn’t true, the rock is a suitable spot for a romantic interlude midway between Lemesos and Pafos.

The town of Pafos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the heritage of the world. Pafos, a small charming harbour town on the west of the island has been the capital of Cyprus in antiquity, has a history which goes back several thousands of years, and has always attracted visitors from the rest of the island and abroad.

The Kato Pafos harbour, originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour, was rebuil by the Lusignans in the 13th century and dismantled by the Ottomans after they captured the island in the 16th century.

The House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion are also in Kato Pafos near the harbour. The amazing mosaic floors of these 3rd century AD noblemen’s villas are considered among the finest in Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.

The Tombs of the Kings, spread over a vast area are impressive underground tombs dating back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric pillars. High officials rather than kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

Optional Cruises – October 28 to November 2 - TBA.

There are three cruises avaliable 28/10 Israel, 28/10 Lebanon, 31/10 Eqypt. For more information please contact directly Louis Cruise Lines at www.louiscruises.com.