CYPRUS: PAPHOS

Paphos, a tourist seaside resort with a population of 25,000, offers many hotels, some of which are rated 5 stars.

The seaside promenade along the old harbor is very pleasant, with its shops, bars, restaurants, and more.

However, there aren't really any nice beaches here, except about 0.6 miles (1 km) further north, where you'll find "Lighthouse Beach," followed by "Venus Beach," located 2 miles (3 km) away.

Because, in Paphos, once again, archaeology and ancient ruins stand out as the main attractions.

Indeed, just 300 feet (around 100 meters) behind the promenade of the old harbor lies the Paphos Archaeological Park, or Kato Pafos.

Kato Pafos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1980.

Saranta Kolones ("Castle of the Forty Columns" in Greek) is a ruined medieval fortress, believed to have been built in the late 7th century AD.

Here is another view of the famous arches of Saranta Kolones.

Here are some of these famous columns. They are part of the ruins of the House of Theseus.

Here, another detail of a column.

Beyond the columns, the ruins of the House of Theseus contain a jewel: a mosaic depicting the Labyrinth of Theseus.

At the center, you’ll find Theseus, the Minotaur, Ariadne with her thread, and more.

It is a unique representation in the world!

The site is home to many remarkable mosaics.

Here, this scene depicts King Icarius as a wine merchant!

On the left, his protector: Dionysus, the god of wine.

This mosaic is considered the oldest known representation of wine trading!

There are also these Roman mosaics from the 3rd century, discovered in 1962.

In remarkable condition, they are, like others, listed as UNESCO World Heritage cultural treasures.

A little farther, but still within the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park, stands a magnificent amphitheater, overlooked by a lighthouse.

This Roman theater is an ideal playground for budding adventurers!

In the center of Paphos, don’t miss the medieval church of Panayia Chrysopolitissa.

On this site, excavations have uncovered the remains of an early Christian basilica and numerous pillars...

...among which this one stands out: the Pillar of Saint Paul.

According to legend, the Apostle Paul was tied to this pillar and whipped by the Romans.

Still in Paphos, located at the end of the city’s old harbor, stands Paphos Castle.

Originally a Byzantine fortress, it was built to protect the harbor.

The interior of the fortress has been remarkably restored, allowing visitors to appreciate the thickness of its walls.

A little farther, at the entrance to the Ayia Solomon catacombs, there is a rather strange tree.

According to local superstition, anyone who ties a handkerchief to this sacred tree will have their wishes granted!

All photos of Paphos © 1996 - 2013 by Richard Soberka