Paphos Must Visit!
While in Paphos, bathe in the city’s historical and cultural heritage! Read on for a brief summary of the most fascinating places of interest found in Paphos…
Panagia Limeniotissa Basilica is an early-Christian cathedral built at the start of the 5th century. The basilica was built in honour of Our Lady of the Port. Unfortunately, all that remains of the unique cathedral is a mosaic floor.
The picturesque old harbour of Paphos is home to the marvellous Medieval Castle, which was originally built by the Franks in the 13th century. The Franks built the castle so as to replace an older Byzantine Castle known as the Saranda Kolones (Forty Columns). In 1570, during the Venetian occupation, the fort was dismantled purposely. The reason behind the action was to prevent the Ottoman Empire from using it, which had already begun conquering the island. As the inscription found above the fort’s entrance reveals, the Ottoman Empire rebuilt the fort in 1780.
Saranta Kolones Palace (Forty Columns) was named after the forty granite columns the Lusignans used to construct it in the 13th century. Excavations have brought to light that the palace was constructed above the ruins of an older Byzantine Castle which is believed to have been built is the 7th century to protect the city from Arab attacks and raids. Although little remains of the castle’s original structure, most visitors are fascinated with its towers and dungeons which are open to visitors.
The ancient Roman Odeon is still used to host theatrical and musical performances during the summer months. This Roman masterpiece dates back to the 2nd century and was entirely built using limestone blocks. Other interesting historic landmarks found in the same area are the Roman Agora, an open-air market place that used to be the social hub of the ancient city, as well as the Temple of Asklipeios, a sanctuary dedicated to the God of Medicine and Healing.
The interesting necropolis of the Tombs of the Kings contains more than one hundred underground tombs which were carved into stone. The burial ground dates back to the 4th century and is believed to contain the tombs of Paphos aristocracy, rather than Kings as their name depicts. The Tombs of Kings were named as such due to their royal-like artistry.
Paphos Archaeological Park is home to the impressive and well-preserved Paphos Mosaics. The detailed mosaics were found in various Roman Palaces and depict scenes taken from Greek mythology. The 2nd-3rd century mosaic floors bring to life the legends of Greek mythology!
The 13th century Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church was built above the remains of an older basilica. It is believed that Panagia Chrysopolitissa is in fact the largest-sized church found across the island. On the west of the basilica, visitors will also encounter Saint Paul’s Pillar, where Saint Paul was whipped and beaten as punishment for succeeding in persuading Sergius Paulus, the Roman Governor at the time, to become Christian..
As the name connotes, Aphrodite’s Rock is linked to the Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty. As legend has it, the beautiful goddess was born at this spot, where she rose from the water and assumed her human form. The bay is a top example of the island’s ragged and natural beautiful!
The Sanctuary of Aphrodite is nestled in what is known as the most significant pilgrimage hub of the ancient world, in Palea Paphos (Old Paphos). In ancient times, the religious hub thrived due to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, as pilgrimages from all over the world arrived to pay respects to the Goddess of Love. At present, all that remains of the sanctuary is the holy ground which date as far back as the 12th century.
Saint Neophytos Monastery was founded in 1159 by a Cypriot monk and hermit named Neophytos. However, the monastery’s main church was constructed 200 years after the hermit’s death. Most tourists visit the Monastery of Saint Neophytos to satisfy their curiosity as most cannot understand how this man survived with the rough life he led as well as to view the secluded cave where the saint used to live in. The saint’s cave is known as Enkleistra which translates to place of seclusion. The cave is home to some of the most inspiring collections of Byzantine frescoes which are believed to date back to the 12th-15th centuries. The cell also showcases the saint’s stone-built table and stone-bed as well as his tomb.
So there you go folks, the ten most important sites and landmarks you must visit while in Paphos!