Ancient Theater of Kourion
The Ancient Theater of Kourion is located in the homonymous archaeological site and on a hill, south of the city of Limassol in Cyprus, about 16 km away from it.
Being one of the most important and popular attractions of Limassol, as well as of all of the island, the Ancient Theater of Kourion was excavated by archaeologists only in 1933.
The Ancient Theater of Kourion was constructed at the end of the 2nd century BC, and it was remodeled to its present form in the 2nd century AD, when it was transformed into a field for wild animal races (until the end of the 3rd century AD) .
With a total capacity of approximately 3,500 spectators, the Ancient Theater of Kourion has never stopped looking over the Mediterranean. In the amphitheater of the Kourion were the stands, while its scene rose behind the proscenium, where the performances were taking place, closing the semicircular orchestra to the south. Today, however, only the foundations of its old scene are still preserved.
The individual pieces that comprised the Ancient Theater of Kourion were a long orthogonal shaped scene – an addition of the 5th century BC, which was situated opposite the amphitheatrical space, known as the “hollow”. Initially, the scene was used as dressing rooms, while with the passage of time it became what today is known as the actors’ dressing rooms (kamarinia). The usually wooden and foldable proscenium, on the other hand, was a gallery with columns right in front of the stage, which brought the theater props of the show (paintings, etc.) to the middle. Then, the proscenium’s vestiges had three separate gates-streets, from which the actors came out on the stage. The props were located at the two edges of the stage, surrounding the scene from three sides, while the arched corridors on the right and left of the stage (or else parodoi) led to the area of the semicircular orchestra, which is where the choros used to stand and act. Finally, there was also the thymeli, the altar to the god Dionysus in the center of the orchestra, as well as the evripos (which helped to remove the water according to the circumstances), and also the stairs for the access of the spectators to the stands of the theater, which were divided into zones.
Today, the stage of the theater hosts a variety of cultural events, such as the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama, especially during the summer months. It operates all year round, except for the holidays and the public holidays, and is partially accessible for people with disabilities. Near the Ancient Theater of Kourion, there is also a car parking lot for the public.
Ancient Theater of Kourion
Address: Episkopi Limassol
Kourio
Cyprus
Tel .: +35725934250
Visiting hours:
Winter Hours: September 16 – April 15, daily: 08:30 to 17:00
Summer Hours: April 16 – September 15, daily: 08:30 – 19:30
Entrance fee: € 4,50