Cyrene
Libya · Cyrenaica · 600 m
Description
Cyrene was the greatest Greek city of North Africa, founded by settlers from Thera on a green terrace of the Jebel Akhdar looking down towards the sea. Its sanctuary of Apollo lies below the ridge around a sacred spring, with a temple of Zeus above it that is larger than the Parthenon. Agora, gymnasium, theatre and a hillside of rock cut tombs spread across the slopes among cypresses and wild flowers. Cyrene gave its name to the whole region of Cyrenaica and produced the philosopher Aristippus and the geographer Eratosthenes.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: March – May or October – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Cyrene Archaeological Site (UNESCO)
- Sanctuary of Apollo & sacred spring
- Temple of Zeus
- Greek Theatre of Cyrene
- Cyrene Agora & Naval Monument
- Rock cut necropolis
- Gymnasium & Caesareum
- Cyrene Museum sculptures
- Temple of Demeter & Persephone
- Jebel Akhdar spring wildflowers (March - May)
- Apollonia harbour ruins(Day trip)
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- LAQ, BEN