Royal Tombs of Salamis.

What to see at Royal Tombs of Salamis

• Nine monumental tombs, known as the Royal Tombs, stand in a Salamis necropolis of about seven square kilometres.
• The commonest tomb type in the necropolis is a rock-cut chamber reached by a dromos, an entrance passage.
• Skeletons of horses, donkeys and people in the passages, and the chariots found with them, point to funeral feasts and sacrifice.

History of Royal Tombs of Salamis

9th–7th century BC

The monumental chariot burials of the Royal Tombs are made, with rich grave gifts.

Until the late 19th century

Travellers, then treasure hunters, plunder most of the tombs.

Early 20th century

Scientific excavations begin.

1993

The necropolis becomes a protected archaeological site.

Visiting Royal Tombs of Salamis

Allow about an hour. The tombs lie near Tuzla, about 7.8 km north-west of Gazimağusa (Famagusta), with the D950 road about 1.3 km away. A car park is mapped about 50 m away, and no bus stop within about 500 m.

Monuments near Royal Tombs of Salamis

• St Barnabas Monasteryabout 100 m westThe monastery of the island's patron saint, now an icon and archaeology museum.
• Enkomiabout 1.5 km south-westA Bronze Age copper-trading city, widely identified with Alasia.
• Salamisabout 2 km north-eastThe great classical city of the island, by the sea.