Paphos is a city rich in history and is the prime location for any history lovers and aspiring archaeologists.
The city of Paphos has a lot more to offer than golden beaches, delicious eateries and glorious sunshine – though all of those things are fantastic too!
Paphos is a city rich in history and is the prime location for any history lovers and aspiring archaeologists that want to take a step back in time to Ancient Paphos.
Paphos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, was born on the island of Cyprus where her temple was erected in 12th century BC and used until the Roman period. With remains of villas, palaces, fortresses, tombs and more, Paphos’ exceptional architectural value means there’s a lot to explore.
If you’ve got a trip to Paphos booked and are looking for the most exciting architectural sites to visit, look no further – we’ve got you covered.
Paphos Archaeological Park
Nea Paphos is home to some of the more modern features of the city, such as Paphos Harbour, but it also offers a chance to explore past eras through the ancient ruins of Paphos Archaeological Park. From Paphos Castle that overlooks the marina, to Paphos Mosaics, the House of Dionysus, The Paphos Ancient Odeon and Forty Columns Fortress, the Archaeological Park is a minefield of exploration. Just don’t forget to pack your camera!
Tombs of the Kings
The Tombs of the Kings offers dirt trails that lead you through an exceptional series of ancient burial sites. The tombs were carved out of solid rock, making them a beautiful monument. But despite its name, those buried at the site were in fact aristocrats and not royal Kings. The Tombs of the Kings is located just a short distance from Paphos Archaeological Park, offering you the perfect opportunity to visit two historic sites in one day!
Saint Neophytos Monastery
Neophytos Monastery was founded in the 12th century by Saint Neophytos, a famous Cypriot monk. What started out as just a small grave grew to become a larger chapel and a safe space for a small number of monks to gather. The caves and other rock-hewn buildings offer an insight into what the monks’ lives were like, through original structures and impressive paintings.
Church of Panagia Theoskepasti
If you feel like taking a breather and having a moment of relaxation, the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti provides just that. It’s not your typical ancient ruin like most sites in the city having been built in 1926, but most of the architectural features of the church have been meticulously preserved from the 10th century. From its location to its structure, the church is a very unique, historical feature of Kato Paphos and is visited by hundreds of locals and tourists every year who wish to admire the iconostasis and icons inside.