Town of Paphos, Cyprus - Holiday Home Cyprus

paphos:

Paphos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It was a centre of the cult of Aphrodite and of pre-Hellenic fertility deities. Aphrodite's legendary birthplace was on this island, where her temple was erected by the Myceneans in the 12th century B.C. The remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs mean that the site is of exceptional architectural and historic value. The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world.

Pafos is one of the most beautiful and ancient towns of Cyprus. Wherever one treads in Pafos he comes across its glorious history which dates back thousands of years,when the cult of goddess Aphrodite who emerged from its seas, flourished in this beautiful part of the world attracting many visitors from the inland and abroad

Today it is a small harbour town,but in Hellenistic and Roman times it was the Capital of Cyprus.Still under the spell of her Beauty-Goddess, the area retaining her magic,has remained impact by time.It seduces its visitor with its majestic landscape,lovely coastline,historical treasures and delightful villages where tradition is still a way of life.

Paphos is situated on the southwest of the Island, 90 miles from the capital Nicosia, 90 miles southwest of Larnaca. Paphos has the island's second international airport, 9 miles east of the main town.

Paphos is believed to be the birth place of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and is a popular resort destination ideal for families. The city of Paphos is split into two parts, the upper part mainly the residential area, and Kato Paphos by the pretty harbour, the lower part of the town. You will find many open air tavernas to sit and relax in the warm sunshine, whilst watching the little fishing boats bobbing up and down in the water. Along the seafront there are many cafés, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Paphos is rich in ancient sites, dating back to the the Roman ages, among them the House of Dionysos and the Villa of Theseus, with beautiful mosaic floors, and the Tombs of the Kings. Other places of interest include the Paphos District Museum, the Byzantine Museum, Paphos Fort commanding the harbour, the remains of the Byzantine castle of Saranda Kolones, and Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, the largest early Christian basilica on the island.
Paphos offers a variety of holiday accommodation ranging from modern luxurious hotels to hotel apartments, tourist villages and many holiday villas.
There are a number of municipal beaches along the Paphos shoreline, but Coral Bay Beach, 7 miles north, is considered the most attractive, being sandy and having shallow waters. Sun-beds and umbrellas are available for rent at the Coral Bay beach.
Coral Bay area has many tavernas and restaurants, Apart from the local tavernas serving traditional dishes and meze, international restaurants offer plenty of choices from Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and other ethnic cuisine.

There is a frequent bus service along the coast road to Coral Bay, operating from early morning till early evening during main season and taxis are also available.

places of interest in paphos:

PAPHOS DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Dighenis street Tel: (06)240215 Attractive collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Paphos area, dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD.

BYZANTINE MUSEUM

In the premises of the Bishopric Elysee str. Tel. (06)232092 An interesting collection of objects from the Byzantine period, including Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th century.

ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM

Exo Vrisy Tel: (06)232010 Interesting private collection of objects from the Neolithic Age to the present day.

TOMBS OF THE KINGS

Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating to 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.

AYIA SOLOMONI CHURCH

Kato Paphos, St. Paul street. Originally a Christian catacomb. A sacred tree stands at the top, which, according to tradition, cures the diseases of those who hang a personal offering on its branches.

THE MOSAICS OF PAPHOS

House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion. Kato Paphos, near the harbour.
The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3rd century AD noblemen.'s villas, are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.

PAPHOS ODEON

A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiqu-ities in 1973-4 and is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances.

SARANTA KOLONES

Kato Paphos, near the harbour. This castle was built in the first years of the rule of the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) maybe on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1222.

PAPHOS CASTLE

Kato Paphos Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island.

PANAYIA LIMENIOTISSA BASILICA

Kato Paphos Dating from the Early Christian period, probably early 5th century and dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Harbour'. Almost completely destroyed during the 7th century Arab raids.

PANAYIA CHRYSOPOLITISSA CHURCH AND BYZANTINE BASILICA

Kato Paphos Built in the 13th century, over the ruins of the largest early Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the compound, one can see the so called St. Paul's Pillar, where according to tradition Saint Paul was flogged at some time before the Roman Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity. Excavations are still going on.

THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH

Kato Paphos, facing the harbour. Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to tradition, God sent down a fog to protect the original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923.

paphos aquaium

The Paphos Aquarium invites you to enter a mysterious underwater world - to experience life in the fascinating realms of the deep.

Never before in Cyprus has there been an opportunity like this for learning about the mysteries of marine life. Now you can admire a spectacular array of colourful fish from different oceans, seas and rivers around the globe.

Step into a wondrous, watery world in the heart of Pafos. The Aquarium provides a unique undersea setting of skillfully illuminated caves and rippling water; a marine ambience so inventive as to be impressively lifelike.

Sea and freshwater fish comprise the superb range of species on view at the Aquarium, where no expense has been spared in recreating their natural environment as faithfully as possible.

Paphos Aquarium
P.O. Box 1412, Kato Paphos
Next to Theoskepasti Church
Tel: 357-6-953920 Fax: 357-6-953919