Paphos

Paphos

Introduction to Attractions

Paphos is located in the southwest of Cyprus, about 100 kilometers southwest of the capital Nicosia. It was once the capital of Cyprus and is a place with a pleasant climate and beautiful natural environment. There are many precious historical relics here, and the entire city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.

Paphos is divided into three parts: Old Paphos, New Paphos, and Ktima. Old Paphos is situated on the Paphos–Limassol highway, about 17 kilometers east of Ktima. It is said that King Kiniras ruled the island for several centuries, and the Temple of Venus was built during his reign, featuring a blend of Greek and Eastern architectural styles. At the center is a grand and majestic main hall, flanked by imposing side aisles, all fronted by towering stone columns. This was the main site where ancient Cypriots worshipped the goddess of love. Unfortunately, in the 12th century BC, Old Paphos was devastated by an earthquake and turned into ruins, becoming one of today’s key archaeological areas.

New Paphos, also known as Lower Paphos, is located on the seashore, 2 kilometers south of Ktima. During the rule of the Ptolemaic Dynasty (294–58 BC) and the Roman Empire (58–395 AD), it served as the capital of the island before gradually declining. The city is situated on a hilltop, surrounded by the sea on three sides, with neat streets and quaint, elegant architecture.

Ktima is located inland and serves as a trade center for agricultural and livestock products. Today, Paphos refers to both Ktima and New Paphos. Paphos has many historical sites, the most famous of which is the "House of Mosaics." Mosaics are artworks made by embedding small, similarly sized stones or tiles of different colors, which were widely popular during the Roman era. The national treasure, the "Leda and the Swan" mosaic, was discovered in 1962 by a farmer near the Temple of Venus. Created approximately 2,000 years ago using small stones, the mosaic covers an area of 1.5 square meters and is now preserved in the Kouklia Museum. In the shallow sea southeast of Paphos, there is a cluster of towering rocks, some resembling stone pillars rising from the sea and others like giant mushrooms standing in the water. The largest rock is about 30 meters high. Because the nearby beach is said to be the birthplace of the “goddess of love,” these rocks are also called “Aphrodite’s Rocks.”

To the north, Polis Bay is said to be the goddess of love’s favorite swimming spot, hence known as the “Bath of Aphrodite.” Not far from the bath is a clear spring, whose water is sweet and refreshing. It is said that the goddess came here to drink after bathing, which is why the spring is known as the “Fountain of Aphrodite.” Unmarried men and women who drink from this spring will fall in love and live happily ever after, while married couples who drink it will deepen their bond and grow old together. Between the two capes lies a small bay with white sand and clear waters. Onshore, trees with broad, dense leaves, such as carob and silver-gray olive trees, intermingle along the shore. In the distance, the pale blue ridges of Mount Troodos rise like a giant jade screen, creating a picturesque landscape.

Cyprus Paphos