Larnaca Excursions
Choirokitia © Cyprus Tourism Organisation
Choirokoitia
About 20 miles (32km) from Larnaca on the Lefkosia-Lemesos road,
archaeological excavations have revealed one of the oldest
Neolithic sites on Cyprus, dating to 7,000 BC. Choirokoitia (also
known as Khirokitia) was home to primitive farmers who cultivated
wheat and barley. Visitors can explore the settlement's defensive
wall, circular houses and tombs. The site is close to the dry
Maroni riverbed atop a hill that was once covered in dense
vegetation. It was first excavated in 1934, but excavations by
French archaeologists are continuing. Four of the beehive-shaped
houses made of mud and stone have been reconstructed to show how
these early farmers lived. Most of the archaeological finds from
Choirokoitia are displayed in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia.
Telephone: 24 322 710;
Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm (1 September to 31 March); 9am to 7.30pm weekdays, closing at 5pm Saturdays and Sundays (1 April to 31 August);
Admission: £0.75
