Cyprus is a place where myth overlaps with history, where legend is woven into the landscape. And nowhere more so than in Paphos: inhabited since the Neolithic period, birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, and later colonised by the Romans. Today the archaeological sites of Paphos collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the richest historic landscapes in the eastern Mediterranean.
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Paphos was recognised for its outstanding universal value and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. This was partly because it was a centre of the cult of Aphrodite, and partly because of the quality of its Hellenistic and Roman remains. In particular, the mosaics of New Paphos are considered some of the most beautiful in the world.
The UNESCO property consists of three main components: the archaeological park of New Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings, and Old Paphos at Kouklia. Together, these sites trace the early development of a coastal city that was once the capital of Cyprus and a major centre of trade, religion and administration.
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
The Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos (also known as Nea Paphos) is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus. Founded in the 4th century BCE, New Paphos became the island’s capital and flourished under Hellenistic, Roman and Early Christian rule until it was destroyed by a series of earthquakes 800 years later. Today’s visitors can explore the extensive archaeological remains, including a theatre, basilicas, and fortifications from the Roman period.
A highlight of the park is the four Roman villas with their mosaic floors, which are remarkable both for their quality and for their preservation. The most famous is the 2nd century House of Dionysos, with mosaics depicting different mythological scenes, from heroic hunts to tales from Greek mythology. Scenes include the tragic love story of Pyramus and Thisbe, and several featuring the antics of Dionysus, the god of wine.
The villas and other buildings of New Paphos give a vivid insight into domestic life, art and mythology in ancient times.
Tombs Of The Kings
The Tombs of the Kings are one of the most intriguing archaeological landscapes in Cyprus. Despite the name, no kings were buried here, but it was used as a burial ground for high‑ranking officials during the Hellenistic and Roman periods between the 3rd century BCE and 4th century CE. Poorer people were also buried here, in the caves that formed naturally in the soft rock.
The underground tombs were built to resemble the houses of the living, an idea borrowed from the Ancient Egyptians. They feature columned atria, chambers for family burials, and traces of frescoes. Visitors are left with the feeling that the wealthy enjoyed better conditions after death than the poor experienced during life.
Looting of the ancient tombs has occurred over the centuries, and artefacts from the necropolis are now held in museums around the world. However, with its enviable position overlooking the sea, the site remains evocative and offers a glimpse of ancient funerary practices and of the social hierarchy of Paphos.
Palaepaphos
The oldest of the three sites is Palaepaphos (Old Paphos) at Kouklia, a short distance from the modern town of Paphos. This dates back to the 12th century BCE and is linked with the legend of Aphrodite: it was near here that the goddess of love was born, rising from the sea at the rock of Petra tou Romiou.
Old Paphos was Aphrodite’s sacred city, a flourishing town, and the centre of her cult for more than a thousand years. The focal point of the archaeological site is the Temple of Aphrodite, founded by the Mycenaeans in the 12th century BCE. This was one of the earliest sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess, and remained a pilgrim site until Roman times.
Other remains include administrative buildings, fortifications, and domestic structures. There is also an on-site museum displaying finds from the area.
Visiting The Archaeological Sites Of Paphos
- The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is close to Paphos harbour, and the Tombs of the Kings are around 2.5 km away (an easy walk along the seafront). Both sites are extensive, so allow plenty of time to explore.
- Kouklia is around 20 km to the east of Paphos. Buses are available or you could hire a car. Aphrodite’s Rock is a further 10 km away.
- Your hotel can advise on private guided tours of some or all of the sites.
- There are two other UNESCO sites in Cyprus: the Neolithic Village of Choirokoitia and the Painted Churches of the Troodos Region.
