In the southwest of Cyprus lies the charming coastal city of Paphos, capital of the Paphos District. 50 km west of Limassol, the largest port in the island country, Paphos lies along the Mediterranean coast with a highway connection to Limassol and with the country’s second largest airport, the Paphos International Airport. According to history there were two different Paphos locations, the current location is New Paphos. The city is listed by UNESCO as a culturally rich World Heritage Site.
Paphos is believed to be inhabited from the Neolithic period. The people here strongly followed the cult of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty. Petra-tou-Romiou near Paleopaphos or Old Paphos is considered the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess. Remains of palaces, fortresses, theatres, villas and tombs from the Greco-Roman times make Paphos a city of exceptional historical value, while the mosaic work found in New Paphos are some of the finest in the world.
The city’s landmark include the Paphos Castle on the harbour, which was first a Byzantine fort, rebuilt in the 13th century by the Lusignans, dismantled by the Venetians in 1570 and restored again by the Ottomans after they captured Paphos. The Rock of Aphrodite, known as Petra-tou-Romiou, rises from the sea and is an important landmark. The ruins of the 12th century Temple of Aphrodite is also seen here. The Aphrodite Hills is home to the country’s finest holiday resort, valued as one of the most delightful resorts in the world.
There are several notable places of interest such as the Tombs of the Kings with its underground columns, fascinating caves and vaults. St Paul’s Pillar, apostle Saul of Taurus who arrived in Paphos in the first century and was later named Paul, is also another interesting site. The catacombs with some of their remaining 12th century frescos of the Christian era are worth a visit. Other tourist attractions include the Byzantine five-domed Ayia Paraskevi church in Yeroskipou, the Ayios Neophytos Monastery with its Byzantine frescoes from the 12th to the 15th centuries and the brilliant mosaic floors of the villas of the 3rd to the 5th centuries.
The Paphos International Airport is located 10 km southeast of Paphos while the A6 motorway links the city with Limassol. Inside the city, the only transport available is the buses. The city has been developed as a tourist destination and is one of the best in Cyprus. The district has four elaborate resorts while one can find a plethora of restaurants and cafés in Paphos.
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Photo by d. yalamidis-gr provided courtesy of Panoramio.com