Kouklia - Marcello Hill

Northeast of Kouklia is Marcello Hill, the northeast gate and the siege works of the Palaipaphos site. These were the extensive defenses of the site, which were gradually added to and strengthened as the city was attacked by different enemies. The walls stand only about one meter high but the impressive arrangements are still visible. The road through the walls is very narrow and turns in a sharp bend. Marks on the walls show how the wheels of vehicles failed to cope with the narrow entrance. The gate was once 12.5m wide with a bastion on either side, but when the defenses were strengthened the entrance was narrowed to 2.8m and guard rooms added.

The siege ramp, outside the gate, was built by the Persians when they attacked the city in 498 B.C. Most of the ramp has now been removed and some artifacts placed in the museum on the main site.