5 top cultural Paphos landmarks
When you think of Cyprus and its top tourist resort Paphos, images of golden-brown bays and turquoise waters are the first images that pop in to your mind right? We don’t blame you as Paphos is home to some of the most jaw-dropping beaches in the world rivalling those in faraway tropical destinations. Relaxing, soaking in the sizzling sun and cooling off in blue waters are certainly reasons enough to jet off to Paphos. However, there is much more to the city than fabulous beaches, so we have put together 5 of its most celebrated sights and landmarks for you to enjoy. Take a break from the beach and tour the city’s cultural wonders as Paphos is a dream come true for all sightseers!
Every landmark has a story to tell and the story that Paphos unveils is awe-inspiring as it witnessed and survived many wars, invasions and raids. Initially built by the Byzantines to protect the harbour of the city, the fort fell in the hands of the Lusignans in the 13th century who rebuilt it. The castle was then under the rule of the Venetians and later the Ottoman Empire.
Next on our Paphos list is an ancient burial ground named the Tomb of Kings. The burial area is made up of underground tombs which have been carved out of solid rock that date as far back as the 4th century. Their most impressive feature is the Doric pillars used to decorate the tombs. The area was named after the sheer fact that the tombs are architecturally brilliant and not because kings were buried there as the name connotes.
The amazing Paphos Mosaics found in the Houses of Theseus, Dionysos and Aion are amongst the most impressive and well-preserved in Europe. The 3rd century AD Greco-Roman houses, which belonged to the aristocracy, were all decorated with mosaics depicting scenes taken from Greek mythology and early Christianity.
Lingering atop a cliff overlooking the glistening Mediterranean, Kourion is undeniably located in the most ideal spot. The ancient city of Kourion was once one of the most prosperous city kingdoms in Cyprus as well as the Mediterranean. The Mycenaean were the first to settle, but the city reached its peak during Roman times which have left behind traces of their glory including an amphitheatre, public baths as well as stadium. While strolling through the ancient ruins it is not hard to imagine how the city was once as it still exudes an aura of glory.
Although Aphrodite’s Baths is one of the most impressive natural landmarks on the island it also carries a cultural significance as the Greek goddess Aphrodite is said to have lived in Paphos after assuming her mortal body by rising from the sea foam at Petra tou Romiou. The baths are found in the heart of Akamas Peninsula, a natural biotope ideal for hikers and climbers. As legend has it, the goddess of love and beauty would bathe in a natural spring shaded by a soaring fig tree which still stands. Those who drink from the spring are granted eternal youth and beauty!
There you go folks, a mini cultural sightseeing tour for your next Paphos holiday!