Ancient Sites in Paphos
What would you choose from among the top things to do in Paphos? Sun-kissed beaches or a walk on the pleasant seaside promenade? A culturally-enriching visit to the UNESCO sites or a hike from a traditional village to the forested mountaintops of Troodos? Or would you instead visit a monastery to see rare mosaics and other religious artefacts of great value? Maybe you would like to explore the ancient sites of Paphos to take in their broad sense of sacred, or, perhaps, a hike on the region’s thematic routes will grant you a more in-depth insight into the Cypriot lifestyle. Begin your Paphos journey here.
Paphos Castle
Like any landmark steeped in history, the Medieval Castle of Paphos has a frantic past. Built as a Byzantine fort, it was systematically destroyed and rebuilt and served a variety of purposes. Today, it stands as the symbol of the city.
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Tombs of the Kings
Despite the name of this ancient site of Paphos, there are no kings buried in the vast underground necropolis that stretches just under Nea Paphos (Aphrodite’s Sacred City). This site was used as a resting place for the local aristocracy from the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC) until the beginning of the 4th century AD. Tafoi ton Vasileon is also recognized among the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites as part of the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park.
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Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is the most important stop on the Aphrodite Cultural Route, which also includes Amathous, near Lemesos, and Kition, in Larnaka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 this is where you should start your journey of heritage discovery. Besides the Tombs of the Kings, the site includes other noteworthy monuments.
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Agia Solomoni
This is one of the pious ancient sites of Paphos. Although modest, this is the burial site of the seven Machabee brothers; Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus, and Marcellus, and their mother Solomonia, who was among the first on Cyprus to reject idolatry and to embrace Christianity.
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Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and the Pillar of St. Paul
Modest and unassuming, this 13th century church still preserves beautiful mosaics on its floors. In the courtyard, St. Paul’s Pillar, a time-corroded marble column where the Apostle allegedly received five times forty lashes less one, is a thought-provoking marker.
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