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Paphos Maps & Attractions Guide
Paphos maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Paphos
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Paphos
Attractions - Things to do
1. Tombs of the Kings
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What is it? There are actually no kings buried here.
Rather the site known as the Tombs of the Kings, one mile (two km)
northwest of Paphos harbour towards Coral Bay, was the final
resting place of about 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats who lived and died
in the city between 3 BC and 3 AD. The tombs are impressive, carved
out of solid rock, some featuring Doric pillars and frescoed walls.
Archaeological excavations are ongoing at the site, which also
features a church known as Paleoekklisia, which sports traces of
Byzantine frescoes.
Hours of Operation: Daily 8am to 5pm (November to March), 8am to 6pm
(April to May and September to October), 8am to 7.30pm (June to
August)
Phone:(26) 306 295 |
2. The Mosaics of Paphos
Kyriakou Nikolaou Street
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What is it? The striking mosaic floors in a series of
ancient Roman noblemen's villas, dating from the third to fifth
century AD, are a must-see for visitors to Paphos. The site where
the villas are still being excavated can be found about 300 metres
from the Paphos harbour. The mosaics featuring mythological scenes
are visible in the houses of Dionysus, Orpheus and Aion, and the
Villa of Theseus. All were made of small cubes of marble and stone,
called tesserae, with glass paste added to widen the range of
colour. In the House of Dionysus, for example, 5,985 square feet
(556 sq metres) of floor space in 14 rooms are covered with the
gorgeous mosaics.
Hours of Operation: Daily 8am to 5pm (September to May), 8am to 7.30pm
(June to August)
Phone:(26) 306 217 |
3. Catacombs
Agio Pavlou Street
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What is it? A large pistachio tree marks the entrance to
the underground catacombs of Agia Solomoni in Kato Paphos. The tree
is a strange sight, festooned as it usually is with pieces of cloth
tied onto it by the faithful as offerings, in the hope that this
sacred tree will cure various ailments. The catacombs themselves
were carved into Fabrica hill, below the ancient Roman city wall,
in the 4th century BC, and later became chapels for the early
Christians. The underground chapels feature some interesting
frescoes and graffiti left by 13th-century Crusaders, and there are
numerous legends and stories attached to the patron saint Ayia
Solomoni. Visitors are advised to take a torch along to explore the
catacombs.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
4. Acropolis
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What is it? Near the modern Paphos lighthouse is sited a
complex of ancient buildings, including a Roman Odeon, built in the
2nd century AD, which has been restored and is now used for summer
orchestral and stage performances. The Odeon was the focus of the
ancient city centre, of which some ruins still remain in the area.
South of the Odeon are the remnants of the Roman Temple of
Asclepius, the God of Medicine, and north of the lighthouse are the
ruins of the ancient town walls.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
5. Baths of Aphrodite
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What is it? A romantic side trip from Paphos is a visit
to the natural grotto on the Akamas Peninsula near Polis (30
miles/48km north of Pahpos) where legend has it that the Greek
goddess of love, Aphrodite, used to take her baths. The serene
pool, shaded by a fig tree and surrounded by beautiful examples of
maindenhair fern, can be reached by nature trails from
Akamas.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Paphos Holidays guide
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Transport -Paphos has a reliable and inexpensive bus
system that connects Kato Paphos and the upper town.
More information at the |
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