| Archaeological Sites to see in Paphos |
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Ancient sites to see in Paphos:
Here is a quick list of places to see in Paphos (Pafos) if you have an interest in history and archaeology.
Peyia:
Agios Georgios – Cape Drepanon.
Agios Georgios Basilica
St. George.
This is the site of remains from an ancient Basilica which still has floor mosaics visible and also along the cliffs
facing the island of Geronisos there are rock cut tombs.
You will also find here the small domed church of Ayios Georgios built in the last century and nearby there
are older smaller churches which are all still used for worship.
Maa – Paleokastro Kastro (old fortress)
You will find the turn off to this site between the Coral Beach Hotel and the Thalassa Hotel at Coral Bay.
This is a fortified Bronze Age (Achaian) settlement - of note is the charming underground ‘Museum of the
Mycenaean Colonisation of Cyprus’ - worth a visit.
Lemba:
Lemba village
Is the location of a prehistoric site of a Chalcolithic settlement (3500 BC). British archaeologists have
reconstructed several of the cylindrical dwellings and painted them with designs found from pottery on the
site – an interesting visit for something a bit different.
Paphos:
Tombs of the Kings
On your way to Kato Paphos - a number of tombs cut from the bedrock starting from the Ptolemaic period
– however there is no evidence to suggests royals were buried here (most likely aristocrats) but the name
has probably more to do with the locals imaging that the grandness of the underground courtyards and
tombs must have been fits for royalty.
Kato Paphos (to the harbour)
Because of the wealth of archaeological sites of Kato Paphos has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage
site.
The Catacombs:
Ayiou Pavlou Str. Paphos
Ayia Solomoni – Fabrica Hill.
A withered old pistachio tree marks the spot of this still popularly visited underground Christian catacomb.
The catacombs of Fabrica Hill were either natural caves with some carved out of the hill side or bedrock
around the 4th C BC these catacombs later were used as a place of worship and as a refuge for the early
Christians during the roman reign & Christian persecutions. The underground chapels of Ayia Solomoni have
frescoes and you will also see graffiti left by the Crusaders who were in Cyprus during the 13thc AD. This
site is still in use by worshipers - people hang bits of cloth on the tree in the hope of curing their illnesses.
St. Paul’s Pillar
Investigate the ruins of the early Christian basilica around 4thc AD in addition there is a particular column in
the ruins which it is said that St. Paul was tied to and flogged by the pagan inhabitants who were later
converted to Christianity.
Kato Paphos (the harbour)
Paphos Fort
On the harbour edge – you will find a small castle/fort originally built by the Byzantine to protect the
harbour - rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century and which was partially destroyed during fighting
between the Venetians and the Ottomans (16thc AD), it was partially restored by the Ottomans which
they used as a dungeon and then later the fort was used as a salt store by the British. You can now visit it
to experience the atmospheric interior and climb to the top to enjoy the breathtaking view of the harbour
shoreline.
Paphos Archaeological Park:
Entry is through a modern stone gateway at the far end of the parking lot near to the Paphos Fort.
Odeon & Agora
• 2ndc AD the Odeon (small open air theatre) has been partially restored and is still used for theatrical
performances in summer. Also in front of the Odeon was an Agora (market); nearby are remnant of the
ancient city walls and a building dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklipeios.
Saranta Kolones Fortress:
• The name comes from the 40 columns (saranta kolones) that are scattered around the ruins.
Originally a Byzantine structure it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in 12thc AD it was finally destroyed by an
earthquake in 1222. You can still see old terracotta plumbing pipes and stone wc communal seating area.
Paphos Mosaics
• 2ndc AD – Remains of a number of roman noblemen houses – each house is named after the
particular mosaic within, scenes are mainly taken from mythology – considered some of the best mosaics in
the Eastern Mediterranean – a must see!
Ktima (upper Paphos)
Loutra (Turkish Baths):
The bath is located next to the modern day municipal market (Agora) and the large council car park. In a
shady part of the Agora lies a domed covered Turkish Bath – the original structure may have been used as
a church, later the Turks changed its use into Turkish baths and after many years of neglect the building
has been restored and you can visit it today.
MUSEUMS:
Paphos Archaeological Museum:
• A collection of Paphos artifacts dating from the Neolithic Age to the 1700 AD. Keep an eye out for
the interestingly shaped ancient hot water bottles!
Byzantine museum:
• A collection of religious object and icons from the Byzantine period onwards.
Ethnographic museum:
• An eclectic private collection of object from last century spanning back to the Neolithic period.
Ayios Neophytos Monastery:
9km north of Paphos.
• Founded at the end of the 12thc AD by the Cypriot hermit/monk Neophytos whom carved out a
three small caves known as the “Encleistra” (hermitage) and painted them with beautiful Byzantine
frescoes. The monastery also has an interesting ecclesiastical museum. Beware there are strict dress codes
so please dress respectfully – no shorts.
Folk Art Museum:
Leondiou St. Geroskipou
• The museum is located in a 19th century historic house and has an interesting collection of local folk
costumes, textiles, embroidery and household items.
OTHER VILLAGES & SITES OF INTEREST:
Geroskipou:
“The sacred ‘Geros’ Garden ‘kipou’”.
This village was originally built on the site of an ancient forest dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite. Here
you will find along the main street various shops that produce ‘Loukoumia’ (like turkish delight) other
sweets are also available and many shops allow you to view the production process. There are also shops
selling baskets, pottery and other crafts.
Of note is Agia Paraskevi church – a 9thc Byzantine church unusual in its design with 5 domes arranged in
the shape of a Cross. Internally there are 15thc frescoes.
THE CULT OF APHRODITE:
Kouklia village:
• 14 km east of Paphos – off the Lemesos/Paphos road. Tel: (26) 432180
Paleopafos Paphos (Old Paphos)
Was one of the most important pilgrimage points for Pagan Cypriots as the Sanctuary of the goddess
Aphrodite was located here, the ruins date from the 12thc BC till the 3rd-4thc BC. Kouklia was also an
ancient city-kingdom of Cyprus said to be founded by a hero of the Trojan wars, Agaperon who was the
son of the King of Arcadia in Greece. The current museum is located in a restored Lusignan Manor (built
during the crusades and remodeled by the Turks). Of notable interest is the large black conical stone
artifact that was worshiped as the representation of the Goddess no other example of this stone has been
found in Cyprus.
Spring time was when many pilgrims visited the sanctuary adorned with flowers and vestiges of the pagan
practice can be still found in the Paphos spring flower festival – the Anthistiria.
Trivia point: legend has it that King Pygmalion, a local king and a gifted sculptor carved himself a statue of
profound beauty which he fell in love with - Aphrodite the Goddess of love, touched by the Kings passion
turned the statue into a woman whom Pygmalion then had a son with and named Paphos which the town
is named after. George Bernard Shaw used this story as inspiration for his play ‘Pygmalion’ which later
became also known as the musical ‘My Fair Lady’
Petra Tou Romiou:
Enjoy the beautiful coastline where you will find the ‘The rock of Romios’ 25km from Paphos town This site
is known as the birthplace of the goddess of Love - Aphrodite.
Aphrodite was said to have risen out of the sea foam (her name derives from born of foam (aphro)). The
name ‘The rock of the Greek or Romios’ is due to the tale of the legendary Byzantine soldier Digenis Akritas
(also known as Romios) the story goes that the large rocks jutting out of the water on this site are the
same ones that Romios (known for his mighty strength) threw at the marauding Saracens to keep them at
bay – these rocks thrown by Romios destroyed the enemy’s ships and we can still see this large rocks in
the positions where they landed! The Greeks like a good yarn.
The Baths of Aphrodite - Polis
Said to be the bathing place of Aphrodite and where she would woo lovers. Now it is a tranquil grotto
surrounded by shady vines and a large fig tree – it was said if you bathed in these waters you would regain
your youth – unfortunately bathing is not allowed anymore! A nice easy walk for nature lovers.
Here is a quick list of places to see in Paphos (Pafos) if you have an interest in history and archaeology.
Peyia:
Agios Georgios – Cape Drepanon.
Agios Georgios Basilica
St. George.
This is the site of remains from an ancient Basilica which still has floor mosaics visible and also along the cliffs
facing the island of Geronisos there are rock cut tombs.
You will also find here the small domed church of Ayios Georgios built in the last century and nearby there
are older smaller churches which are all still used for worship.
Maa – Paleokastro Kastro (old fortress)
You will find the turn off to this site between the Coral Beach Hotel and the Thalassa Hotel at Coral Bay.
This is a fortified Bronze Age (Achaian) settlement - of note is the charming underground ‘Museum of the
Mycenaean Colonisation of Cyprus’ - worth a visit.
Lemba:
Lemba village
Is the location of a prehistoric site of a Chalcolithic settlement (3500 BC). British archaeologists have
reconstructed several of the cylindrical dwellings and painted them with designs found from pottery on the
site – an interesting visit for something a bit different.
Paphos:
Tombs of the Kings
On your way to Kato Paphos - a number of tombs cut from the bedrock starting from the Ptolemaic period
– however there is no evidence to suggests royals were buried here (most likely aristocrats) but the name
has probably more to do with the locals imaging that the grandness of the underground courtyards and
tombs must have been fits for royalty.
Kato Paphos (to the harbour)
Because of the wealth of archaeological sites of Kato Paphos has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage
site.
The Catacombs:
Ayiou Pavlou Str. Paphos
Ayia Solomoni – Fabrica Hill.
A withered old pistachio tree marks the spot of this still popularly visited underground Christian catacomb.
The catacombs of Fabrica Hill were either natural caves with some carved out of the hill side or bedrock
around the 4th C BC these catacombs later were used as a place of worship and as a refuge for the early
Christians during the roman reign & Christian persecutions. The underground chapels of Ayia Solomoni have
frescoes and you will also see graffiti left by the Crusaders who were in Cyprus during the 13thc AD. This
site is still in use by worshipers - people hang bits of cloth on the tree in the hope of curing their illnesses.
St. Paul’s Pillar
Investigate the ruins of the early Christian basilica around 4thc AD in addition there is a particular column in
the ruins which it is said that St. Paul was tied to and flogged by the pagan inhabitants who were later
converted to Christianity.
Kato Paphos (the harbour)
Paphos Fort
On the harbour edge – you will find a small castle/fort originally built by the Byzantine to protect the
harbour - rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century and which was partially destroyed during fighting
between the Venetians and the Ottomans (16thc AD), it was partially restored by the Ottomans which
they used as a dungeon and then later the fort was used as a salt store by the British. You can now visit it
to experience the atmospheric interior and climb to the top to enjoy the breathtaking view of the harbour
shoreline.
Paphos Archaeological Park:
Entry is through a modern stone gateway at the far end of the parking lot near to the Paphos Fort.
Odeon & Agora
• 2ndc AD the Odeon (small open air theatre) has been partially restored and is still used for theatrical
performances in summer. Also in front of the Odeon was an Agora (market); nearby are remnant of the
ancient city walls and a building dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklipeios.
Saranta Kolones Fortress:
• The name comes from the 40 columns (saranta kolones) that are scattered around the ruins.
Originally a Byzantine structure it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in 12thc AD it was finally destroyed by an
earthquake in 1222. You can still see old terracotta plumbing pipes and stone wc communal seating area.
Paphos Mosaics
• 2ndc AD – Remains of a number of roman noblemen houses – each house is named after the
particular mosaic within, scenes are mainly taken from mythology – considered some of the best mosaics in
the Eastern Mediterranean – a must see!
Ktima (upper Paphos)
Loutra (Turkish Baths):
The bath is located next to the modern day municipal market (Agora) and the large council car park. In a
shady part of the Agora lies a domed covered Turkish Bath – the original structure may have been used as
a church, later the Turks changed its use into Turkish baths and after many years of neglect the building
has been restored and you can visit it today.
MUSEUMS:
Paphos Archaeological Museum:
• A collection of Paphos artifacts dating from the Neolithic Age to the 1700 AD. Keep an eye out for
the interestingly shaped ancient hot water bottles!
Byzantine museum:
• A collection of religious object and icons from the Byzantine period onwards.
Ethnographic museum:
• An eclectic private collection of object from last century spanning back to the Neolithic period.
Ayios Neophytos Monastery:
9km north of Paphos.
• Founded at the end of the 12thc AD by the Cypriot hermit/monk Neophytos whom carved out a
three small caves known as the “Encleistra” (hermitage) and painted them with beautiful Byzantine
frescoes. The monastery also has an interesting ecclesiastical museum. Beware there are strict dress codes
so please dress respectfully – no shorts.
Folk Art Museum:
Leondiou St. Geroskipou
• The museum is located in a 19th century historic house and has an interesting collection of local folk
costumes, textiles, embroidery and household items.
OTHER VILLAGES & SITES OF INTEREST:
Geroskipou:
“The sacred ‘Geros’ Garden ‘kipou’”.
This village was originally built on the site of an ancient forest dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite. Here
you will find along the main street various shops that produce ‘Loukoumia’ (like turkish delight) other
sweets are also available and many shops allow you to view the production process. There are also shops
selling baskets, pottery and other crafts.
Of note is Agia Paraskevi church – a 9thc Byzantine church unusual in its design with 5 domes arranged in
the shape of a Cross. Internally there are 15thc frescoes.
THE CULT OF APHRODITE:
Kouklia village:
• 14 km east of Paphos – off the Lemesos/Paphos road. Tel: (26) 432180
Paleopafos Paphos (Old Paphos)
Was one of the most important pilgrimage points for Pagan Cypriots as the Sanctuary of the goddess
Aphrodite was located here, the ruins date from the 12thc BC till the 3rd-4thc BC. Kouklia was also an
ancient city-kingdom of Cyprus said to be founded by a hero of the Trojan wars, Agaperon who was the
son of the King of Arcadia in Greece. The current museum is located in a restored Lusignan Manor (built
during the crusades and remodeled by the Turks). Of notable interest is the large black conical stone
artifact that was worshiped as the representation of the Goddess no other example of this stone has been
found in Cyprus.
Spring time was when many pilgrims visited the sanctuary adorned with flowers and vestiges of the pagan
practice can be still found in the Paphos spring flower festival – the Anthistiria.
Trivia point: legend has it that King Pygmalion, a local king and a gifted sculptor carved himself a statue of
profound beauty which he fell in love with - Aphrodite the Goddess of love, touched by the Kings passion
turned the statue into a woman whom Pygmalion then had a son with and named Paphos which the town
is named after. George Bernard Shaw used this story as inspiration for his play ‘Pygmalion’ which later
became also known as the musical ‘My Fair Lady’
Petra Tou Romiou:
Enjoy the beautiful coastline where you will find the ‘The rock of Romios’ 25km from Paphos town This site
is known as the birthplace of the goddess of Love - Aphrodite.
Aphrodite was said to have risen out of the sea foam (her name derives from born of foam (aphro)). The
name ‘The rock of the Greek or Romios’ is due to the tale of the legendary Byzantine soldier Digenis Akritas
(also known as Romios) the story goes that the large rocks jutting out of the water on this site are the
same ones that Romios (known for his mighty strength) threw at the marauding Saracens to keep them at
bay – these rocks thrown by Romios destroyed the enemy’s ships and we can still see this large rocks in
the positions where they landed! The Greeks like a good yarn.
The Baths of Aphrodite - Polis
Said to be the bathing place of Aphrodite and where she would woo lovers. Now it is a tranquil grotto
surrounded by shady vines and a large fig tree – it was said if you bathed in these waters you would regain
your youth – unfortunately bathing is not allowed anymore! A nice easy walk for nature lovers.
| Archaeological Sites to see in Paphos |
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