Paphos is a charming long stretched resort town. The main town is located on a hill, 43 m. above sea level and lies separated from lower Paphos and its historical harbour.
The original Palea Paphos was situated 13 km. east and is now known as Kouklia. The foundation of the city is led back to the King of Priests Kinyras. Here a Aphrodite-Temple was built by the Mycenians which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 12th century BC. Nea Paphos, located along the sea - nowadays named Kato Paphos - became the capital city in the age of the roman rule. It was here that Saint Paul converted the first ruler Proconsul Sergius Paulus to Christianity. Therefore Cyprus became the first Christian ruled country in the year 45. Next to the Chrysopolitissa Church from the 16th century, which is built on the remains of an older basilica, probably from the 4th century, the Saint Paul pillar can be found, to which Saint Paul was allegedly tied and whipped.
Between the harbour and the light house lies the House of Dionyssos, a roman villa from the 3rd century, which was only discovered in 1962. From the walls hardly anything is left because the area was destroyed due to a heavy earthquake in the years 332 and 342. The mosaic floors that were found, which are said to be the most beautiful of the Mediterranean, are still in excellent condition and show a exquisite taste of the owner of the house. Not far from here the huge “House of Theseus” can be found which excavations are still going on. This house was the residence of the roman Proconsuls on Cyprus. There is much more to be seen: the restored Odeon Theatre, the Asklepion, the Fortress “Saranta Kolones”, the castle in the romantic harbour which was rebuilt the last time by the Turks in 1592. Not less interesting, because of their size, are the mysterious vaults and caves, the Tombs of the Kings, dating back to the 3rd century BC., located outside the former city walls of ancient Paphos.
It was on Paphos shoreline that the mythological Goddess Aphrodite was born - a legend that spawned a massive wave of cult worship from neighbouring countries that lasted several centuries. The large rock that juts from the sea is known as “Petra tou Romiou “ - The Venus Rock , while the Baths of Aphrodite at Polis and the “Fontana Amorosa” - Fountain of Love also echo her apparent penchant for the island. At Kouklias lie the remains of the Goddess’ earliest sanctuary. |
The
harbour of Paphos
