About Paphos

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A charming resort town stretching along the Western coast of the Island. The old town is located on a hill and lies separated from the lower part of Paphos and its historical harbour.

The original Paphos was located to the east and is now known as Kouklia. The foundation of the city dates back to the King of Priests, Kinyras. Here an Aphrodite Temple was built by the Mycenians: later destroyed by an earthquake in the 12th century B.C.

Kato Paphos is situated along the coastline and became the capital city under roman rule. It was here that Saint Paul converted the first ruler Proconsul Sergius Paulus to Christianity making Cyprus the first Christian ruled country in the year 45 A.D.

Next to the Chrysopolitissa Church, which dates from the 16th century and is built on the remains of an older basilica which probably dates from the 4th century, the Saint Paul pillar can be found. This is where Saint Paul was allegedly tied up and whipped.

Located between the harbour and the lighthouse is the House of Dionyssos, a roman villa dating from the 3rd century but only discovered in 1962. Hardly anything remains of the walls as most of the area was destroyed during major earthquakes in the years 332 and 342 A.D. The mosaic floors are still very much intact and are said to be the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, demonstrating to us the exquisite taste of the original owner. Not far from here the huge "House of Theseus" can be found: 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.

No less interesting, because of their size, are the mysterious vaults and caves called the Tombs of the Kings. They date back to the 3rd century B.C. and were, in their day, located outside the former city walls of ancient Paphos. Today they are next to the Elysium where Dive-In Paphos is located.

It was on Paphos’ shoreline that the mythological Goddess Aphrodite was born: a legend that inspired 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.

Other things to do and see in the area: aquarium, banana boats, boat cruises, go-karting, horse-riding, jeep safaris, jet skis, opera festival every September, parascending, pirate ship cruises, ringos, snakes and reptile centre, speedboat hire, water skiing, waterpark.