Paphos: Charm, Style & History
Within all tourit resorts in Cyprus, Paphos is a jewel, a superb combination of a beautiful scenery, historical sites, a picturesque port with fishingboats, an old castle, taverns and outstanding archaeological sites that enchant the visitor.
The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and other rulers of Cyprus, all left their mark on this part of the island. Paphos is romantically associated with the legend of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love and beauty, of whom Homer said that she was born from the soft foam of the Paphian Sea. Paphos is a colourful, small town, beautifully located on a rocky escarpament with views to the sea and the historical harbour of Kato (Lower) Paphos.
It was the capital city of the inland in the Roman times. Some of the famous Roman Governors of Cyprus who resided in Paphos, were orator Cicero and Sergius Paulus. Sergius Paulus was the first Roman Governor in the whole empire, to be converted to Christianity by St. Paul in 45 AD.
Here there is an early Christian basilica from the 4th Century AD, the St. Paul's Basilica that measures 56 by 40 meters. Some other impressive and unique attractions recently discovered in Paphos, are the magnificent mosaics from the House of Dionysos and House of Theseus, the Byzantine Castle of 40 pillars, the theatre, gymnasium and the Odeon.
The whole area of New Paphos is rich in Historic remains, from the castle and ancient wall defenses to the fascinating “Tombs of the Kings”. These tombs, of which there are about 100, are carved out of the solid rock underground, some containing Doric pillars, of such magnificence that they were given the name “Tombs of the Kings”. Paphos boasts an interesting little museum containing objects that have been found from all over Paphos district, and the Episcopical Palace has a Byzantine museum with many interesting icons and liturgical vessels.