Apollonia

Apollonia served as the harbour of Cyrene and became a substantial city in its own right, and what survives runs along the shore: three Byzantine basilicas with columns of imported marble still standing, a theatre cut into the slope facing the sea, baths and a palace of the Byzantine governor. Part of the ancient harbour is now submerged, the coast here having subsided, and the moles and quays can be seen under the water.

Highlights

• The Byzantine basilicas - three churches with their imported marble columns.
• The theatre - the seating cut into the slope facing directly out to sea.
• The submerged harbour - moles and quays visible under the water offshore.
• The governor's palace - the Byzantine administrative building near the shore.

When to go

March to May and October to November are the comfortable months. Summer on the coast is hot. Winter brings rain to Cyrenaica.

Practical notes

The site has suffered from a lack of maintenance and from encroachment. There is little interpretation on the ground. Visiting Libya requires arrangements made well in advance through a licensed operator.

Nearby

Cyrene is inland, and Ras al-Hilal is east along the coast.

Key facts