Apollo, the Greek god of light, sun, poetry and music, is a very important deity worshiped in ancient Cyprus. His sanctuary, close to Kourio, is enveloped by a forest on a cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean. What remains of the four pillared temple of the sun god is a testament to the writings of Strabo who recalls those who touched the altar of the temple were thrown over the cliffs into the sea. Additions to the site were made by Trajan and continued until the end of the Roman era.
The capitals of the temple's columns are very peculiar, considering their historical context. Similar star-like capitals can also be found at Kourion and portray a strong architectural influence from the Levant.
