10 Paphos Landmarks
Even though the ideal holiday you may have in mind is lying on a golden beach with a cocktail in your hand, Paphos, Cyprus’ cultural hub is home to plenty of historical landmarks everyone must visit. We have put together ten of the most famed places you must add to your sightseeing list next time you holiday in Paphos. Let’s take a quick look!
Excavations revealed a number of Greco-Roman villas dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century including the House of Aion, Dionysos and Theseus. Apart from the houses inspiring architecture, the greatest appeal is the impressive Paphos Mosaics that decorate these homes. Considered as the finest throughout Eastern Europe, the mosaics depict scenes taken from ancient Greek mythology.
At first Saint Solomon’s Church was an underground Christian catacomb. Outside the sacred cave is a sacred tree, which as folklore narrates, heals people from diseases and illnesses after they hang strips of their clothing or a personal item on its branches. It’s like a miracle tree!
The ancient Temple of Aphrodite is found in Kouklia Village, which boasts with plenty of ancient remnants dating back to the 12th century. Up until the 3rd-4th century, Aphrodite’s Temple was one of the most important places in the world for pilgrimages.
The Baths of Aphrodite is a spot characterised for its natural beauty and stunning scenery, nestled away within the breathtaking area of Akamas. Based on myths, this was the place where Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty, bathed daily in a natural pool under the shade of a fig tree. Another legend narrates that whoever bathes in the spring is granted eternal youth and beauty.
The Tombs of Kings is a large underground graveyard dating back to the 4th century. The tombs were actually built into solid rock, but the most impressive feature of the tombs is the Doric Pillars used to decorate them. Although the name of the ancient burial ground connotes that kings were buried within the tombs, the graveyard was named after the tombs artistry and sheer magnificence.
The Castle of Paphos can’t be missed as its sheer structure dominates the Paphos picturesque old harbour. Initially built as a Byzantine fort in order to protect the harbour from enemy raids, the castle was later on dismantled, only to be rebuilt by the Lusignans in the beginning of the 13th century. In 1570, the fort was destroyed once again as the Venetians lost the battle against the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire restored it. The British, who also conquered Paphos, used the fort as a prison and storage area.
Saint Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa dates back to 1500 AD, and was initially a Latin church. The church was built over the site of a smaller chapel that was destroyed by an earthquake around 59 AD. About a hundred years after the church was constructed and the 1570 Ottoman conquer; the church became Kato Paphos’ Byzantine Cathedral. Another reason the cathedral is so important is because Saint Paul was stoned to death at the pillar near Saint Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa because he succeeded in convincing the Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity. For this reason the church is also known as the Church by Saint Paul’s Pillar.
Overlooking the crystalline blue Mediterranean Sea from above, Kourion is a marvellous ancient archaeological site found in Paphos. Even though the Mycenaean were the first to settle in Kourion, the city thrived during the Roman period. The Romans left behind remarkable remnants of their stay in Paphos including an awe-inspiring stadium, impressive theatre and public baths. Similar to other ancient city-kingdoms on the island, Aphrodite and Apollo’s cults flourished at Kourion, which is the reason they both have monuments and temples in their honour there.
Petra Tou Romiou is one of the most scenic beaches in Paphos. Apart from being known as a place of natural beauty, the beach is also famed because according to legend Goddess Aphrodite rose from the foam of the waves.
Cyprus and wine go back more than 4500 thousand years. In fact, excavations have proven that Cyprus has been producing wine for more than 4500 years! Next time you find yourself in Paphos; don’t miss the chance on taking a wine tour! The green-covered countryside boasts with vineyards which invite visitors to discover and taste locally produced wines. The most ancient wine produced in Cyprus is Koumandaria, a sweet red wine which is delicious!
That’s all for now on Paphos folks! Stay tuned for more.