The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates lies in a pine-covered area near Episkopi, about 22 km west of Limassol in southern Cyprus, within the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area. Worship at the site began in the 8th century BCE and continued for around a thousand years, with Apollo honoured as a god of the woodland and as protector of the nearby city of Kourion. The monumental complex visible today largely dates from the Roman period, mostly the 1st century CE, when the sanctuary was rebuilt after earlier phases. Visitors enter along a paved Sacred Way that leads to the central precinct, where the Temple of Apollo has been partly reconstructed with several columns standing. Nearby stand the Pilgrims' Dormitories, the Priests' Residence and the Bathhouse, which housed worshippers visiting the sanctuary. Another notable building is the Southwest Building, connected with the sanctuary's ritual and administrative functions. A circular altar and a small palaestra, used for athletic exercises, complete the complex. The sanctuary was damaged by earthquakes in the 4th century CE and abandoned shortly after. Excavations by the American archaeologist George McFadden in the 1930s and later by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus uncovered the main structures, and parts of the temple have been partially restored using original stone. The site is quiet, shaded by trees compared with nearby Kourion, and its layout is easy to follow with information boards. The sanctuary is typically visited alongside Kourion, about 2.5 km away. Admission is EUR 2.5, and the site is managed by the Department of Antiquities.
| Admission | EUR 2.5 (about USD 2.88) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:30-19:30 (16 April-15 September); 08:30-17:00 (16 September-15 April); closed 25 December, 1 January and Orthodox Easter Sunday; confirm at mcw.gov.cy/da |
| Address | Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, near Episkopi, Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area |
Why it matters
The sanctuary was the principal religious centre of the Kourion territory and honoured Apollo Hylates, god of the woodland, from the 8th century BCE until it was destroyed by earthquakes in the 4th century CE. Its Roman-period buildings are among the best-preserved religious architecture on Cyprus.
Location
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, near Episkopi, Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area
34.6736, 32.8637 View on map
Highlights
- Partially reconstructed Temple of Apollo with standing columns
- Sacred Way leading to the central precinct
- Pilgrims' Dormitories and Priests' Residence
- Roman bathhouse and palaestra
- Shaded pine setting near the coast
Tips for visiting
- Follow the Sacred Way first so the layout makes sense.
- Pair the visit with Kourion, about 2.5 km away, and plan a half-day for both.
- The shaded setting is cooler than Kourion, useful on summer afternoons.
- Check the opening hours before arriving, as the site is close to the Akrotiri base area.
- Bring a camera for the view along the Pilgrims' Dormitories.
When to visit
Spring and autumn are most comfortable; the tree shade makes late afternoons in summer tolerable.
Accessibility
Paths include steps and uneven stone; wheelchair access is limited, though parts of the Sacred Way are flat.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the sanctuary English-language friendly?
Yes. Information boards are in English and Greek.
How long does a visit take?
About 45 minutes to an hour covers the temple, dormitories and bathhouse.
Can children visit?
Yes. The grounds are open and easy to walk, though steps and low walls need care.
Is it on the same ticket as Kourion?
Admission is listed separately at EUR 2.5; confirm current arrangements with the Department of Antiquities.