Karpathos Vroukounta Ancient Tombs

Location: Avlona

Vroukounta was one of Karpathos’ four ancient Doric cities, located on the northwestern coast of the island, 1 km north of the modern settlement of Avlona. Inhabited since the Minoan-Mycenaean Era, the ancient city saw its peak during the 4th century BC. Today it lies mostly in ruins but is indicative of the rich cultural heritage of the island.

Remains of cyclopean walls, fortifications, and tombstones can be seen in the archaeological site. Of much interest are the burial chambers carved into the rocks, which have unfortunately been looted and today remain empty. Traces of three early Christian basilicas can also be observed and speak to the long-standing religious significance of the area. Many inscriptions have been found around the site that date to various historical periods, while at the edge of the cape lies a small cave dedicated to Saint John of Vroukounta.