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Paphos

Home To Aphrodite, Adonis, Dionysus, and Lucky Mortals. The town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world's heritage.

Paphos, a small charming harbour town, on the west of the island, which has been, during certain times in antiquity, the capital of Cyprus, has a history which goes back literally thousands of years, and has always attracted visitors from the rest of the island and abroad.

From the modern town centre to the picturesque harbour and, stretching across the coastline, lie innumerable ancient sites which not surprisingly have now been included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites. After all, this is the birthplace and centre of worship of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty and the whole area retains some of this magic.

Bordered by a lovely coastline, the Paphos area has charming villages in its mountains, here life has gone unchanged over the years, where the customs and traditions of the country have been kept alivc because that is ow it has always been. And in the heartland, are famous monasteries such as Ayios Neophytos and Chrysoroyiatissa with modern day pilgrims.

Paphos Harbour

PLACES OF INTEREST

PAPHOS DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Dighenis street Tel: (06)240215 Attractive collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Paphos area, dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD.

BYZANTINE MUSEUM

In the premises of the Bishopric Elysee str. Tel. (06)232092 An interesting collection of objects from the Byzantine period, including Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th century.

ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM

Exo Vrisy Tel: (06)232010 Interesting private collection of objects from the Neolithic Age to the present day.

TOMBS OF THE KINGS

Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating to 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

AYIA SOLOMONI CHURCH

Kato Paphos, St. Paul street. Originally a Christian catacomb. A sacred tree stands at the top, which, according to tradition, cures the diseases of those who hang a personal offering on its branches.

THE MOSAICS OF PAPHOS

House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion. Kato Paphos, near the harbour. Tel: (06)240217

The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3rd century AD noblemen.'s villas, are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.

PAPHOS ODEON

A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiqu-ities in 1973-4 and is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances.

SARANTA KOLONES

Kato Paphos, near the harbour. This castle was built in the first years of the rule of the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) maybe on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1222.

PAPHOS CASTLE

Kato Paphos Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island.

PANAYIA LIMENIOTISSA BASILICA

Kato Paphos Dating from the Early Christian period, probably early 5th century and dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Harbour'. Almost completely destroyed during the 7th century Arab raids.

PANAYIA CHRYSOPOLITISSA CHURCH AND BYZANTINE BASILICA

Kato Paphos Built in the 13th century, over the ruins of the largest early Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the compound, one can see the so called St. Paul's Pillar, where according to tradition Saint Paul was flogged at some time before the Roman Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity. Excavations are still going on.

THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH

Kato Paphos, facing the harbour. Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to tradition, God sent down a fog to protect the original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923.

A Cyprus Church in the Mountains