Paphos

　　　　    Paphos is situated in the southwest of Cyprus, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of the capital Nicosia. It was once the capital of Cyprus and is known for its pleasant climate and beautiful natural environment. The area boasts numerous precious historical ruins, 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 located about 17 kilometers east of Ktima on the Paphos–Limassol highway. Legend has it that King Kiniras ruled the island for several centuries and that the Temple of Venus (Aphrodite) was built during his reign. The temple combined Greek and Eastern architectural styles. At its center stood a grand main hall, flanked by majestic side aisles, all fronted by imposing stone columns. This was the main site where ancient Cypriots worshipped the goddess of love. Unfortunately, in the 12th century BC, Old Paphos was destroyed by an earthquake and reduced to ruins, becoming one of today’s key archaeological areas.

　　　　    New Paphos, also known as Lower Paphos, is located on the seashore about 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 island’s capital before gradually declining. The city is situated on a hillside, surrounded by the sea on three sides, with neat streets and quaint, charming architecture.

　　　　    Ktima lies inland and serves as a trade center for agricultural and livestock products. Today, Paphos generally refers to Ktima and New Paphos. Paphos features many historical sites, among which the most famous is the "House of Mosaics." Mosaics are artworks created by arranging small stones or tiles of similar size but different colors, and they were widely popular during the Roman period. The national treasure, the "Leda and the Swan" mosaic, was discovered in 1962 by a farmer near the Temple of Venus. Created about 2,000 years ago from small stones, the mosaic covers an area of 1.5 square meters and is now preserved in the Kouklia Museum. Off the southeast coast of Paphos lies a cluster of towering rocks rising sharply from the shallow sea. Some resemble stalagmites emerging from the water, while others stand like giant mushrooms. The largest rock is about 30 meters high. As the nearby beach is said to be the birthplace of the “goddess of love,” these rocks are also known as the “Rocks of Aphrodite.”

　　   The northern area of Polis Beach is said to be the favorite swimming spot of the goddess of love, hence it is called the "Bath of Aphrodite." Not far from the bath is a clear spring, whose waters are sweet and refreshing. Legend says the goddess would come here to drink after bathing, giving the spring the reputation of the "Spring 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 grow deeper in love and grow old together. Within the small bay between the two capes, the sand is white and the water crystal clear. On the shore, broad-leaved carob trees and silvery-gray olive trees intermingle into a dense forest. In the distance, the pale blue peaks of the Troodos mountain range rise like a huge jade screen, creating a stunning landscape.

　　   Paphos, Cyprus