Places to visit in Pafos

INTERESTING PLACES IN PAPHOS

THE MOSAICS OFPAPHOS

The mosaic floors of these noblemen's villas dating from the 3rd to the 5th century AD are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mainly depict scenes from Greek mythology.

House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and House of Aion
Kato Paphos, near the harbor,
Tel: (26) 240217
Daily: 07:30-17:00 (Summer 07:30-19:30)

AYIA PARASKEVI CHURCH

Geroskipou village, 3 km east of Paphos.
One of the most interesting Byzantine churches on the island, dating to the l0th century. It is a basilica surmounted by five domes forming a cross and has beautiful mural paintings dating mainly to the l5th century.

SENCTURY OF APHRODITE

Kouklia village,14 km east of Paphos, off the Lemesos - Paphos road, Tel: (26) 432180

PalaiPaphos (Old Paphos) was one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centres of the ancient Greek world, and once city-kingdom of Cyprus. Here stood the famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains of which date back to the 12th century BC. The glorious days of the sanctuary lasted till the 3rd-4th century. The museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, contains many interesting finds from the area, and excavations continue on the site of the sanctuary, the city and the necropolis.
Kouklia village, 14 km (9 miles) east of Paphos
Monday - Friday: 19:00 - 16:00 (Summer 07:30-18:00
Sat and Sun : 09.00 -16.00 (Summer 09.00-17.00)

SARANTA KOLONES

Kato Paphos, near the harbour.

This castle was built by the Lusignans at the beginning of the early l3th century on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1222.

AYIOS NEOFYTOS MORASTERY

9 km north of Paphos.
Founded at the end of the l2th century by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neofytos. The "Egkleistra", an enclosure carved out of the mountain by the hermit, contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the l2th to l5th century. In the monastery's church there is a very interesting ecclesiastical museum.

CRYSORROGAITISSA MONASTERY

40 km northeast of Paphos, turn right before Stroumpi village.
The monastery is also reached from Kykkos Monastery via the forest.
Set in beautiful surroundings, the monastery, originally founded in the l2th century AD, is dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate'. The monastery, whose present building dates back to 1770, has a collection of important icons and treasures. An impressive religious ceremony and celebrations are held on l5th August. The old winery of the monastery produces some of the best vintage wine of Cyprus.

TOMBS OF THE KINGS

Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

Kato Paphos, Tel: (26) 240295
Daily: 07:30-17:00 (Summer 07:30-19:30)

PETRA TOU ROMIOU

Birthplace of Aphrodite

On the main road of Limassol - Paphos. 25 km east of Paphos.

According to legend, Aphrodite goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. 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.

BATHS OF APHRODITE

Akamas Peninsula, near Polis. 48 km north of Paphos.
According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to take her beauty baths in a pool of a natural grotto, shaded by a fig tree, which can still be visited.
Nature trails set off from Akamas to lead nature lovers to incomparable views of unspoiled land.

More details on these trails can be obtained from a special leaflet issued by the Cyprus Tourism Organization in co-operation with the Forestry Department.