Paphos, known as the island of Aphrodite, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history. It was the capital of Cyprus for 600 years and is associated with both the cult of Aphrodite and the spread of Christianity. Visit Paphos for a blend of history, archaeology, and culture, making it an excellent destination for a holiday.
Paphos Mosaics
Ancient temples, rock-cut tombs and Roman villas with elaborate mosaic floors all reflect the highly sophisticated societies which inhabited Pafos in the past. With a history dating back more than eight thousand years, the town offers a wealth of treasures to the visitor. From the Stone Age, through Hellenistic and Roman times to the Byzantine era, many of Pafos’ ancient monuments are included in UNESCO’s Global Heritage List.
Loutra – Ottoman Hamam
Located near the market place in the old town of Paphos, the museum lies on the edge of a big parking place. Otherwise you can take the bus from Kato Paphos to the old town. It stops about 100 meters from the baths. The Ottoman baths were in use until 1950. Despite this, they are an UNESCO listed heritage site. Its full restoration was completed in 2015. Nowadays, the Hammam is another monument that reveals the rich and diverse history, heritage and culture of Paphos and Cyprus.
Tombs of the Kings
The famous ‘Tombs of the Kings’ form part of the Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos (Paphos) – one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus that has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980. The monumental underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Rather than kings, it is actually high ranking officials and aristocracy that were buried here.
Saranta Kolones
This ruined medieval fortress, situated near the harbour, was built by the Lusignans at the beginning of the 13th century on the site of a previous Byzantine castle. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1222.
The Asklepieion
A sanctuary dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepeios, it was also used as a healing centre. It is situated to the south of the Odeon and southwest of the Agora. It is a large building complex with several rooms and a square courtyard.
The Agora
The Agora, situated in front of the Odeon, dates from the middle of the 2nd century A.D. It formed a square courtyard measuring 95 x 95 metres, with colonnaded porticos. The columns of the colonnade have Corinthian capitals but no flutes.
Ancient Odeon
The Pafos Odeon lies in Kato Pafos, in the heart of the tourist area. It is a small 2nd-century amphitheatre built of well-hewn limestone blocks. Today it is used in the summer for musical and theatrical performances.