Ancient Ialyssos - Filerimos

Filerimos Hill is the site of the ancient acropolis of Ialyssos with its temple of Athena Polias. In Byzantine times, the hill was used as a fortress and in the 13th century the monastery of the Virgin Mary was built here.

During the period of the Knights the monastery, occupied by catholic monks, was extended and became justly celebrated. The Knights of Saint John came from noble European families and, despite their military prowess remained essentially monks, taking vows of celibacy, poverty and fidelity.

Today one can visit the ruins of the ancient acropolis and the monastery, as restored by the Italians. To the right of the archeological site is the beginning of the Calvary Way "Road of Golgotha" – another creation of the Italians. Here you will find Catholicism in all its splendour: shrines with relieve representations of the Passion and cypress trees to the left and right of the path. At the end of the path stands a large stone monument in the form of a cross, with windows and balconies. You can climb up and admire the view.

Arcaeological Site: Open daily until 7pm, except Mondays
The Calvary Way: Open 24 hours