Ancient Sites in Paphos

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Paphos was sacred long before the dawn of Christianity. A Temple of Aphrodite attracted worshipers to Kouklia as early as the 12th century BC. But, with the missionary journey of St. Paul in the first century AD, history changed its course, and, in time, the cult of the goddess faded away. Yet, she’s not forgotten. Cyprus is still known as the birthplace of Aphrodite and the “island of love.” But it also boasts mysterious Christian catacombs and Medieval frescoes of rare beauty, a Medieval fort guarding the harbour, and many other sights that tell tales of a rich past. We’ve rounded up the top five ancient sites of Paphos you should visit during your stay.

Paphos Castle: The Medieval fort guarding the harbour

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: Hellenistic and Roman aristocracy’s last resting place

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: UNESCO-listed treasure on the Aphrodite Cultural Route

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 Church and Christian catacombs

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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