Historical centre of Paphos

Paphos: Cyprus’ cultural heritage

The historic centre of Paphos is where the past meets the present. Walking through its narrow streets, you will see fascinating monuments that tell stories of ancient glory and myth. Historical heritage blends perfectly with the seaside atmosphere, inviting you for long walks. Indeed, the city has many places waiting to be discovered.

Historically, Paphos was considered one of the most important cities on the island, not only as an ancient centre of trade and culture but also as a place of worship to the goddess Aphrodite. Today, Paphos is a popular tourist centre, offering a wealth of monuments, beaches and natural parks.

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

House of Aion

The first building you will visit after you buy your tickets is the House of Aion. This luxurious villa is distinguished by five panels of mosaics, including scenes of the wine god Dionysus and the deity Aion. All the mosaics are beautifully preserved and tell stories.

1. Dionysus, the god of wine – Young Dionysus sitting on Hermes and flanked by other figures, including the future teacher Silenus.
2. Mythical contests between mortals and deities – The mosaic depicts a contest between Apollo and Marsyas to see who is the better flute player.
3. Goddess Leda and the swan – mosaic depicts a story from ancient Greek mythology where Zeus, in the form of a swan, seduces Leda. This scene is often depicted in ancient art and symbolizes the union of the divine with the human
4. Aion – The main mosaic depicts the deity Aion, a symbol of infinity and rebirth.
5. Dionysus and his entourage – Dionysus in a chariot drawn by panthers, accompanied by fauns and satyrs, in a scene full of detail and dance.

House of Theseus

Our steps then led to the house of Theseus. This house, like many other Roman villas, was built as a luxury residence for a wealthy nobleman, probably the local Roman governor. Dating between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, the villa takes its name from a mosaic depicting Theseus.

The most famous mosaic depicts the Greek hero Theseus slaying the Minotaur in a labyrinth, symbolising the victory of reason over chaos.

Covering an area of about 9,000 square metres, the villa is one of the largest in the region.

Walk through it is a showcase of ancient art and architecture.

House of Dionysus

The House of Dionysus is one of the most important Roman villas in the archaeological park of Kato Paphos. Built between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD, the villa was named after the god of wine, Dionysus, whose mosaics predominate there.

Once belonging to a wealthy nobleman or official, the villa occupies an area of approximately 2,000 square metres, with more than 40 rooms richly decorated with mosaics. Each mosaic depicts a different mythological story. However, you won’t find the common myths here, but the slightly lesser known and less depicted ones.

Here you will find mosaics:

• Narcis and his reflection – Depicts the myth of Narcis, who fell in love with his reflection in a lake.
• Pyramus and Thisbe – A mosaic depicting the tragic love between Pyramus and Thisbe, which inspired Shakespeare to write Romeo and Juliet.

• Hypolytus and Phaedra – The mosaic depicts a tragic love story where Phaedra, the wife of Theseus, fell in love with her stepson, Hypolytus. Phaedra, despairing of rejection, decided to commit suicide. However, she had previously written a letter in which she lied that Hypolytus had wanted to rape her. In doing so, she signed his death warrant.
• Apollo and Daphne – Apollo’s love for Daphne drives the girl to despair, and with the help of the gods, she transforms herself into a laurel tree to escape his affections.
• The kidnapping of Ganymede – Zeus, in the form of an eagle, kidnaps the handsome young man Ganymedes to serve on Olympus… Otherwise, did you know that Ganymedes was a Trojan prince, the son of Priam?
• Hunting Scene – Several mosaics in House of Dionysus depict scenes of hunting and nature.

Other monuments

In addition to the mosaics, the villa contains other important sites such as the Odeon, an ancient amphitheatre used for theatrical performances, which is still used for summer concerts.

Another point of interest is Asklepion, which was a healing and religious centre dedicated to the Greek god of medicine, Asklepios. In addition to the Asklepion, you can discover the remains of the Agora, a marketplace where the locals used to trade and meet, and the lighthouse is also worth mentioning.

Visiting with children

For the kids it was a terrible bore. They had nothing to do here, they didn’t want to come and they showed it quite properly with bored looks. With smaller children it’s probably not a very interesting program and you don’t have much to entertain them here, since it’s clearly defined where you can go. With the bigger ones, you just need to brace yourself. Question “how much longer ” will accompany you every 5 minutes.

Tomb of Kings in Paphos

One of the important monuments, which is also included in the UNESCO list, is the Tombs of the Kings. They are located near the Archaeological Park and are considered to be one of the largest burial complexes in Cyprus. Despite the name, it was not kings who were buried here, but high officials and the local elites.

The complex was carved into the rock in the 4th century BC. It is unique in that the tombs are designed as real houses with colonnades and courtyards, showing the respect that society showed to the deceased. The architecture is inspired by the Egyptian style, reflecting the influence of several cultures in Cyprus.

How not to get lost in the area

The complex contains seven large underground tombs carved into the rock. However, the signage is poor and there are many other rocks and openings besides. It took us about 20 minutes to realize that we had no idea what we were seeing. Either buy the booklet along with the tickets, or you have to pay attention to the little posts that have QR codes on them. These contain basic information and tomb numbers.

Individual tombs and their beauty

Each tomb offers a different view.

Right at the entrance is Tomb 1, which is not very interesting. But it is a good preview of what awaits you.

Tomb 2 is more interesting, with polished stones and massive steps.

As you continue on, you’ll get a view of the sea and a shipwreck that fits the place perfectly.

You can walk straight to the sea and explore the beautiful rocks and openings, which are not tombs.

This will allow you to explore Tomb 3 from behind as well. Thanks to this, you will see the remains of columns and decorations that are not visible from the inside. Tomb 3 is one of the most beautiful ones. With its Doric columns around the courtyard, remains of paintings as well as the thin corridors you can explore, it will definitely win you over.

Tomb 4 looks more like a small town than a tomb. It consists of an enclosed building surrounded by a courtyard with many openings.

To see the last tombs, go a little further

Tomb 5 is a bit out of the way, located on the road around the beach. But it also offers a completely different experience, as the columns are not traditionally cylinders, but rectangles. Also, this tomb feels like a little town carved out of the rock.

Tomb 6 is smaller and more reminiscent of what it actually is. Inside, you won’t find anything special that you haven’t already seen in the others.

For many, Tomb 7 is the most beautiful and we have to agree that along with Tomb 3 they are the jewels of the burial grounds

Doric columns form only one wall, the one where the burial chambers are entered. Our children refused to cooperate anymore and decided to wait on the walls. So we were able to enjoy the beauty without a lot of questions.

Definitely worth a visit even with kids

Walking through the Tombs of the Kings is a return to the past, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of an ancient era. Tranquillity and grandeur of the place create a sense of awe and peace. Panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea complete the unforgettable experience.

Children enjoyed the shipwreck and the opportunity to move freely on the rocks, although after an hour, they were no longer excited about it. It takes about 1.5 hours to visit; with kids, it’s a good idea to try to make it quicker. Especially if you have smaller kids that you can’t just park somewhere with the idea of picking them up later.

There’s little shade, and overall you’ll find up to one bench under a tree in the area, so be prepared for a lot of heat. It was the indoor exploration of the graves that was a nice escape from the heat.

Paphos Castle

Paphos Castle is located next to the Archaeological Park and originally served as a Byzantine Fortress in the harbour. Throughout history it has undergone several rebuildings and today it is a symbol of Paphos. Offering spectacular views of the harbour and the surrounding area.

However, our children were not interested in another visit, as it did not look as attractive from the outside as, for example, Kolossi Castle near Limassol.

Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa

The church of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa is one of the most interesting places in Paphos and immediately immerses you in its rich history. It is located in the middle of an archaeological site where a magnificent early Christian Basilica from the 4th century once stood. Although it is not complete, the remains of the massive columns and the magnificent mosaics will impress you with their detail and grandeur.

One of the most fascinating features is the Column of St. Paul, where, according to tradition, the Apostle Paul was whipped when he tried to convert the locals to Christianity. This place has a deep spiritual significance.

Catacombs

Near the church are catacombs and a pedestrian bridge, which provide a unique view of the archaeological site.

Originally, the catacombs were built in the Hellenistic period, probably in the 4th century, and served as an underground burial ground. Over time, they acquired religious significance and became a place of pilgrimage.

The catacombs are named after Agia Solomon, a Christian martyr whose alleged tomb is located there. During your visit, you will see rooms carved into the rock, one of which served as a chapel decorated with murals. Some of the paintings depict religious motifs and figures of saints.

In front of the entrance to the catacombs grows a large fig tree, which, according to local legends, has healing powers. Visitors tie pieces of cloth to it in the hope of healing or granting them wishes.

Next to these catacombs are another ones, where a local guide offers a free tour.

Inside, you will find several rooms connected by corridors, but the place is neglected, with trash and graffiti. Moreover, the smell spoils the atmosphere. Some corridors are in good condition, others resemble abandoned buildings

Be sure to take a walk on the bridge that goes all the way around. You’ll get great views not only of the city but also of the cacti and caves that are also on the hill. The whole hill is literally drilled with them 😃😃😃.

This monument has almost no signage, so you have to keep your eyes open and look for the tree bandaged with cloth. Then you know you’re good and can explore the surrounding area.

Paphos is definitely a beautiful city full of history and should not be missed on your trip around Cyprus.