Choirokoitia (Khirokitia), Cyprus

The ruins of Choirokoitia, Cyprus


Choirokoitia is a Neolithic settlement in Cyprus. Also written as Khirokitia, it is one of the most important and best-preserved prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean.

Choirokoitia was discovered by archaeologist Porphyrios Dikaios, the Director of the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, in 1934. Although excavation was interrupted by Turkish invasion in the 1970's, it was eventually resumed in late 1970's.

Choirokoitia has been settled as early at the 7th to the 4th millennium BC. Archaeologists have found evidence of an organised functional society here. The settlement has surrounding fortifications for defence. The fortified walls are 2.5 meters thick and as high as 3 meters.

A reconstructed prehistoric structure in Khirokitia, Cyprus, dating from as early as 5800 BC


Choirokoitia was suddenly abandoned in around 6000 BC. Reason for abandonment of the site remains unclear.

Choirokoitia was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 22nd session of the World Heritage Committee in Kyoto, Japan, on 30 November to 5 December, 1998.

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 34 47 54 E 33 20 36 in the District of Larnaca, Cyprus
Inscription Year: 1998
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: II, III, IV

List of World Heritage Sites in Cyprus

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