Choirokoitia: Neolithic Settlement and Village History

Choirokoitia offers several specific points of interest to help you plan your trip: the Neolithic settlement, historic buildings in the village, and routes for walking and cycling. If you are looking for a hotel in Choirokoitia, you can plan your stay around whether you are most interested in the settlement, the village’s history, or one of the routes described.

Neolithic Settlement and Architecture

The Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia lies on a steep slope on the west bank of the Maroni River. The hillside location and riverside position are defining geographical features of the archaeological site. A dwelling unit consisted of several circular buildings arranged around a small courtyard with a grain mill. It was therefore a group of buildings sharing a courtyard, not just a single round house.

To help visitors understand the settlement and protect it, five circular buildings and part of the fortification, including its entrance, have been reconstructed. A broad enclosure wall was built on the settlement’s unfortified western side. The dwellings and the fortifications represent different aspects of the site: each dwelling unit arranged several buildings around a courtyard, while the wall served to provide structural protection. Visitors interested in the layout of Neolithic settlements can consider these features together.

Excavations and Village History

Excavations at the Neolithic settlement began in 1936 under Porphyrios Dikaios. They resumed in 1976 with a French archaeological mission led by Alain Le Brun. The two dates mark the beginning of the excavations and their later continuation; they belong to different stages in the study of the settlement.

Buildings in the village also give Choirokoitia a distinctive historical character. A church dedicated to Saint Demetrios, the Myrrh-streaming, stands on the road leading to the village entrance. In the village centre is the traditional house of Petros Nicolaou. It dates from 1903 and also served as his small workshop. The church and the house are two distinct points of reference for the village’s history: the dedication of a religious building and the use of a traditional house.

Nature Trail and Cycling Routes

A nature trail connects the village of Choirokoitia with the archaeological site. This links the village and the settlement by footpath. If you plan to use the trail, check local conditions before setting out.

Choirokoitia is also included in the themed cycling routes of the Larnaca region. The “Traditional Villages Light” cycling route starts in Tochni and leads to Choirokoitia, where the Neolithic settlement is located. This distinguishes two different route connections: the nature trail links the village with the archaeological site, while the cycling route mentioned here starts in Tochni. Check current route conditions before cycling.

Your trip can therefore focus on different things: the architecture and history of the Neolithic settlement, historic features in the village, or the connections described for walking and cycling.

Discover more destinations: Tersefanou, Avdellero, Alaminos, Maroni, Kato Drys, Psematismenos, Skarinou, Pervolia

For the broader travel overview: Larnaca.