5 Top Paphos Landmarks
Although the ideal holiday you have in mind is you lying on a beach or around a pool with a cocktail in hand at one of Louis Hotels in Paphos, the island’s cultural hub showcases numerous historical monuments and landmarks you need to visit. We have put together a list of 5 most famed places you need to add to your sightseeing bucket list next time you are jetting off to Paphos.
The Tombs of Kings is a large underground graveyard originating back to the 4th century. The tombs were built out of solid rock. The most impressive are the Doric Pillars used to decorate the tombs. Although the name of the historical spot connotes that kings were buried within the tombs, the graveyard was named after the tombs’ architectural magnificence.
Excavations revealed several Greco-Roman villas dating back to the 3rd century including the House of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion. Besides the marvellous architecture of the villas, the well-preserved Paphos Mosaics found catch the eye of every visitor. Considered as the finest throughout Eastern Europe, the mosaics depict scenes taken from ancient Greek mythology.
The Castle of Paphos is hard to miss as its structure dominates and illuminates the city’s picturesque harbour. Initially built as a Byzantine fort for the purpose of protecting the harbour from enemy raids, the castle was dismantled and rebuilt by the Lusignans in the beginning of the 13th century. In 1570 it was the Venetians turn to destroy the fort after failing to protect the city from the Ottoman attack. The Ottoman Empire later restored it. The British, who later conquered the city, used the fort as a prison and storage area. As you can understand, the Paphos Castle symbolises the city’s long, vigorous and rich history.
Overlooking the glistening blue Mediterranean from a cliff top, Kourion is a marvellous ancient site found in Paphos. Although Kourion was first settled by the Mycenaean, it reached its peak during the Roman period. The Romans left behind awe-inspiring remnants of their stay in Paphos including a fabulous stadium, spectacular theatre and public baths. Similar to other ancient city-kingdoms on the island, Aphrodite and Apollo’s cults thrived at Kourion and as such, both have monuments and temples here. While walking through the ancient ground, it is not hard to visualise how the city was during its days of glory.
The Baths of Aphrodite is a spot the overflows with natural beauty and breathtaking scenery, nestled away within the breathtaking area of Akamas. According to ancient myths, this was the place where Goddess Aphrodite bathed in a natural pool under the shade of a towering fig tree. Apparently, whoever bathes in the spring is granted eternal youth and beauty.
Are you ready for your sightseeing adventure in Paphos? Once you’ve finished exploring the Paphos landmarks you’ll retreat to one of the Louis Hotels in Paphos and feel the warmth hospitality of Cyprus!