10 Top Cultural Destinations in Paphos

by Claire M. Working at Louis Hotels

Admit it! When you think of Mediterranean Cyprus and its top tourist resort Paphos, images of golden-white bays and turquoise waters are the first that pop in to your mind right? We don’t blame you as Paphos is home to some of the most jaw-dropping bays rivalling those in faraway tropical destinations. Relaxing, soaking in the sizzling sun and cooling off in azure waters are certainly reasons enough to jet off to Paphos. However, there is much more to the city than fabulous beaches, so we have put together 10 of its most celebrated sights and landmarks for you to enjoy. Take a break from the beach and tour the city’s cultural wonders as Paphos is a dream come true for all sightseers! Enjoy the sightseeing tour...

Tombs of Kings

First on our list is an ancient burial ground going with the name, Tomb of Kings. The burial area is made up of underground tombs which have been carved out of solid rock which have been dated as far back as the 4^th century. Their most impressive feature is the Doric pillars used to decorate the tombs. The area was named after the sheer fact that the tombs are architecturally brilliant.

Mosaics

Mosaics found in the Houses of Theseus, Dionysos and Aion are amongst the most impressive and well-preserved in Europe. The 3^rd century AD Greco-Roman houses, which belonged to the aristocracy, were all decorated with mosaics representing scenes taken from Greek mythology.

Paphos Castle

Every landmark has a story to tell and the story the city’s Fortress unveils is awe-inspiring as it witnessed and survived many wars, invasions and raids. Initially built by the Byzantines to protect the city’s harbour, the Castle fell in the hands of the Lusignans in the 13^th century who rebuilt it. The Castle then fell in to the hands of the Venetians and later the Ottoman Empire.

Saint Solomon

Saint Solomon was initially a Christian catacomb. As legend has it, the church yard is home to a sacred tree which carries healing powers. Thousands of believers hang personal items on the tree’s branches in hope they or their loved ones will be healed.

Ayia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa Church & St. Paul’s Pillar

Around 1500 AD the church was built over the site of an older chapel that was destroyed by an earthquake in 59 AD. After the 1570 Turkish invasion the church was turned into the Byzantine Cathedral of Kato Paphos. Near the Byzantine church lays the Pillar of Saint Paul who was whipped for preaching the word of God.

The Temple of Aphrodite

Up until the 3^rd-4^th century AD Aphrodite’s Temple was one of the most significant spots of pilgrimage and cult. The area has many other important ruins that date back to the 12^th century. Lusignans Manor is home to an impressive museum showcasing the ancient artefacts found in the area.

Petra Tou Romiou

Petra Tou Romiou is a bay linked to many legends and myths attracting the hopeless romantics as well as photographers and artists seeking inspiration. The striking golden-brown bay is said to be the birthplace of the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. As legend has it the goddess rose from the foam of the waves at exactly this spot.

Baths of Aphrodite

Aphrodite’s Baths are found in the heart of Akamas Peninsula, a natural biotope ideal for hikers and climbers. As legend has it, the goddess of love and beauty would bathe in a natural spring shaded by a soaring fig tree which still stands. Those who drink from the spring are granted eternal youth and beauty!

Kourion

Lingering atop a cliff overlooking the glistening Mediterranean, Kourion is undeniably located in the most ideal spot. The ancient city of Kourion was once one of the most prosperous city kingdoms in Cyprus and the Mediterranean. The Mycenaean were the first to settle, but the city reached its peak during Roman times which have left behind traces of their glory including an amphitheatre, public baths as well as stadium. While strolling through the ancient ruins it is not hard to imagine how the city was once as it still exudes an aura of glory.

Wine Routes

Cyprus and Wine have a long and rich history of about 4000-5000 years. New excavations have brought to light that Cyprus may indeed be the first to produce wine throughout the Mediterranean. The island’s long wine history is only one of the reasons you should all embark on a wine touring excursion through the island’s sleepy villages, blossoming countryside and rich vineyards. There are available a variety of routes to pick from each equally fascinating! Koumandaria Routes is amongst the most preferred which take wine lovers through the villages and vineyards where Koumandaria, the oldest wine produced in Cyprus is still made.

So there it is-10 top cultural destination all holidaymakers should see and experience when travelling to Paphos! Hope you enjoyed the ride and hope to see you soon. Happy summer holidays to all avid travellers out there!