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Paphos (or Pafos) is one of the most beautiful and ancient towns of Cyprus.
Wherever one treads in Paphos he comes across its glorious history which dates
back thousands of years, when the cult of goddess Aphrodite who emerged from its
seas, flourished in this beautiful part of the world attracting many visitors
from the island and abroad.
Today Paphos is a small harbour town, but in Hellenistic and Roman times it was
the capital of Cyprus. Still under the spell of her Beauty-Goddess, the area
retaining her magic, has remained impact by time. Paphos seduces its visitor
with its majestic landscape, lovely coastline, historical treasures and
delightful villages where tradition is still a way of life.
The legacy from its remarkable history adds up to nothing less than an open
museum, so much so that UNESCO simply added the whole town its world Cultural
Heritage List. Among the treasures unearthed, are the remarkable mosaics in the
Houses of Dionyssos, Theseus and Aion, beautifully preserved after 16 centuries
under the soil. Then there are the mysterious vaults and caves, the Tombs of the
Kings, the ancient Odeon Theatre and other places of interest including the
various Museums.
The City of Paphos, on the southwest coast of the island, was founded by King
Kiniras in 1400 BC. The port of Paphos was built by Nicocles, the last King of
Paphos, at the time of Alexander the Great. It became the capital of the island
replacing Salamis during the Hellenistic period as its masters, the Ptolemies,
favored a location closer to their capital, Alexandria. The Romans retained
Paphos as the seat of Roman Governor.
Paphos however, was gradually losing much of its attraction as an administrative
center. The result was that the capital was moved inland to Lefkosia (Nicosia).
The city and its port continued to decline throughout the Middle Ages and
Ottoman Rule, as Nicosia, and the port cities of Larnaka and Famagusta were
gaining in importance.
 The
city and the district of Paphos had remained the most underdeveloped part of the
island until 1974 when the Turkish invasion happened.
After 1974 there was rapid economic activity in all fields in Paphos but
especially tourism and the district population started to increase.
The government invested big capitals in infrastructure and in building of the
Paphos International Airport while private initiative concentrated in hotel,
apartment and villa construction and the entertainment infrastructure.
Today Paphos is a popular sea resort with population of 40000. It is divided
into two major quarters – Ktima, on the sea terrace, is the main residential
district, and the Kato Paphos, by the sea, is built around the mediaeval port
and contains most of the luxury hotels and the entertainment infrastructure of
the city.
Paphos has a rural traditional architecture, a very eye-catching and striking
landscape, as well as areas of untouched nature. In Pafos you can find the
peninsula of Akamas, a natural wilderness of astonishing magnificence with
stunning gorges, extravagant coastlines and pleasant nature trails.
Places of interest
in Paphos:
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PAPHOS
DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Dighenis street Tel: (06) 240215 Attractive collection of Cypriot
antiquities from the Paphos area, dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700
AD.
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BYZANTINE
MUSEUM In
the premises of the Bishopric Elysee str. Tel. (06) 232092 An
interesting collection of objects from the Byzantine period, including
Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th century.
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ETHNOGRAPHICAL
MUSEUM
Exo Vrisy Tel: (06) 232010 Interesting private collection of objects
from the Exo Vrisy Tel: (06) 232010 Interesting private collection of
objects from the Neolithic Age to the present day.
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TOMBS
OF THE KINGS
Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating
to 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were
buried here or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its
name.
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AYIA
SOLOMONI CHURCH Kato
Paphos, St. Paul street. Originally a Christian catacomb. A sacred tree
stands at the top, which, according to tradition, cures the diseases of
those who hang a personal offering on its branches.
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THE
MOSAICS OF PAPHOS
House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of
Aion. Kato Paphos, near the harbour. Tel: (06) 240217 The amazing mosaic
floors, of these 3rd century AD noblemen.'s villas, are considered among
thefinesinthe Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from
Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.
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PAPHOS
ODEON
A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks.
It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiqu-ities in 1973-4 and
is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances.
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SARANTA
KOLONES
Kato Paphos, near the harbour. This castle was built in the first years
of the rule of the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) maybe on the
site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed in the earthquake
of 1222.
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PAPHOS
CASTLE
Kato Paphos Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour,
it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, then dismantled by
the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against
the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they
captured the island.
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PANAYIA
LIMENIOTISSA
BASILICA Kato Paphos Dating from the Early Christian period, probably
early 5th century and dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Harbour'. Almost
completely destroyed during the 7th century Arab raids.
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PANAYIA
CHRYSOPOLITISSA
CHURCH AND BYZANTINE BASILICA Kato Paphos Built in the 13th century,
over the ruins of the largest early Byzantine basilica on the island.
Within the compound, one can see the so called St. Paul's Pillar, where
according to tradition Saint Paul was flogged at some time before the
Roman Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity. Excavations
are still going on.
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THEOSKEPASTI
CHURCH
Kato Paphos, facing the harbour. Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and
according to tradition, God sent down a fog to protect the original
church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923.
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PETRA
TOU ROMIOU
Birthplace of Aphrodite, 25km from Paphos. According to legend,
Aphrodite mythological goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves
in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Baths of Aphrodite at Polis and
the"Fontana Amorosa" - Fountain of Love - also echo her
apparent penchant for the island. At Kouklia lie the remains of the
Goddess's earliest Sanctuary.The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou "THE
ROCK OF THE GREEK" is associated with the legendary frontier-guard
of Byzantine times Digenis Akritas who kept the marauding Saracens at
bay with amazing strength. It is said that he heaved this large rock
into the sea destroying the enemy's ship.
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LEMPA
5 kilometers from Paphos. Lempa village can be singled out as one with
historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa's link
with prehistory is the site of a chalcolithic settlement.Today the
faithful reconstruction of several dwellings, gives an insight into
chalcolithic life on the island. Near the site replicas of two houses
from this period have been constructed.
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AYIOS
NEOPHYTOS MONASTERY
Founded around 1200 by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neophytos. The
Encleistra or Enclosure carved out of the mountain by the hermit
contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to
15th century. In the Monastery's church there is an interesting
collection of icons and remains of 16th century frescoes.
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CHRYSOROYIATISSA
MONASTERY
Set in beautiful surroundings, this monastery, dedicated to Our Lady of
the Golden Pomegranate, was originally founded in the 12th century but
the present building dates to 1770. The monastery has a collection of
important icons and treasures. An impressive religious ceremony and
celebrations are held on 15th August. Recently the old winery of the
monastery was reopened and produces some of the best vintage wine
available in Cyprus.
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BATHS
OF APHRODITE
An area of breath taking beauty associated with Aphrodite. According to
legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby
natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A trail from the Baths
takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8 km from the Baths, at the end of the
Akamas Peninsula). Walking along this trail, one can enjoy an
incomparable view and unspoilt nature.
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