An etched inscription with the name “Karyn”-eon, found in 1974 near the modern village Mamousia of Achaia, documented the existence of ancient Kyrenia, confirming its position and gave the answer to the puzzle that troubled archaeologists for years.
The discovery of the lost city is a valuable window to the Achaean civilisation, as it reveals secrets of the history and identity of the region. Somewhere between legends and truth, the ancient city that flourished in the past is yet another symbol of Achaia and is still fascinating.
The ancient city, which also was the acropolis of Eliki, was destroyed to the ground by a devastating earthquake in the winter of 373 B.C. Its ruins are revealed to the north of the village Mamousia, between the valleys of the rivers Kerynitis and Vouraikos. The relevant signs will lead you to the archaeological site. On Vouni hill, between two deep gorges, lies the ancient city. Its position is fortified because it is protected by steep cliffs on its north, east and west side.
At the foot of the hill you will first encounter a major burial monument (Heroon) of the 3rd century. B.C. On the hill, next to the Heroon, there are remnants of the wall, the ancient theatre (of which part of the stage wall and the right passage are preserved), ruins of public buildings and houses and fountain at the entry of the city, at the location Paliomylos. At a distance of 900m. north-east of the fortified city, at the location Profitis Ilias, ruins of a shrine have been found.
All the ancient objects that were found in Ancient Kyrenia are exhibited at the Museum of Aegio.
