Paphos things to Do

1. PAPHOS DlSTRlCT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Dighenis street Tel: (06)240215
Here you will find a marvellous collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Papho area, dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD.

2. BYZANTINE MUSEUM
In the building of the Bishopric.
Here you can see exceptional items from the Byzantine period, including Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th century.

3. ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM
1 Exo Vrisy Tel:(06)232010
Here a very interesting private collection of objects from the Neolithic Age to the present day is available.

4. TOMBS OF THE KINGS
A large area that has underground tombs built out of solid rock dating to 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here or not, the brilliance of the tombs gave the area its name.

5. AYIA SOLOMONI CHURCH
Kato Paphos, St. Paul street.
That church was originally a Christian catacomb. A sacred tree stands at the top, which is said to heal the disease of those who hang a personal item as an offering on its branches.

6. THE MOSAICS OF PAPHOS
House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion. Kato Paphos near the harbour Tel:(06)240217
The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3rd century AD noblemen's villas, are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly show story scenes from Greek mythology and are wonderfully executed.

7. PAPHOS ODEON
A small 2nd century Odeon completely built of marble blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities in 1973-4 and is now used on a regular basis for musical and theatrical performances.

8. SARANTA KOLONES
Kato Paphos, near the harbour.
This castle was built in the beginning of 12th century, in the first years of the rule of the Lusignans. It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1222.

9. PAPHOS CASTLE
Kato Paphos
Originally built as a Byzantine fortress to protect the harbour from any kind of invasion, and then it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century. It then was dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who failed in defending it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island.

10. PANAYIA LIMENIOTISSA BASILICA
Kato Paphos
Dating from the Early Christian period, probably early 5th century and dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Harbour'. In the 7th century it was almost entirely destroyed by Arab raids.

11. THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH
Kato Paphos, opposite the harbour.

PAPHOS AREA

1. YEROSKIPOU FOLK ART MUSEUM
Yroskipou village, 3 km east of Paphos. Tel:(06)-240216
This village is named "Hieroskepos",  after the sacred Garden of Aphrodite. Captivating collection of Cyprus folk arts and crafts gathered together in the house known as Hadjismith.

2. AYIA PARASKEVI CHURCH
Yeroskipou village, 3 km east of Paphos.
One of the most remarkable and attractive Byzantine Churches on the island, dating to the 10th century, with a vaulted basilica, a nave and two aisles surmounted by five domes, with later frescoes dating to the 15th century.

3. TEMPLE OF APHRODITE Kouklia village, 14 km east of Paphos.
Here are the ruins of the famous Temple of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains, going back to the 12th century B.C. The temple was one of the most important places of cult and pilgrimage of the ancient world, till the 3rd-4th century A.D. The Museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, is small but impressive with many finds from the area.

4. PETRA TOU ROMIOU (Birthplace of Aphrodite)
25 km east of Paphos.
According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, was born coming out of the waves in this remarkably beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou (The Rock of the Greek), is linked to the legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times, Digenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength.

5. PANAYIA CHRYSELEOUSA
3 km north of Paphos, Emba village.
A church standing in the centre of the village, built on the 12th century. A series of icons and two panels with the 12 Apostles date to the middle of the 16th century.

6. PEYIA
Ayios Georghios Basilica and the picturesque fountains.
Peyia village, 19 km north-west of Paphos. In Peyia, do not forget to quench your thirst at the picturesque fountains which can be found in the beautiful stone-paved village square. 41/2 km from the village, near the fishing refuge, is the ruins of two early Christian basilicas with some very interesting mosaic floors depicting animals. This site must have been an important establishment in Early Christian times. There are also rock-hewn tombs of the Roman period above the sea.

7. AYIOS NEOPHYTOS MONASTERY
9 km north of Paphos.
Founded around 1200 by Neophytos, who was a Cypriot hermit and writer. The Encleistra or Enclosure carved out of the mountain by the hermit contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to 15th century. In the Monastery's church there is an interesting collection of icons and remains of 16th century frescoes.

8. CHRYSOROYIATISSA MONASTERY
40 km north-east of Paphos, turn right before Stroumbi village. The monastery is also reached from Kykko (forest road).
Set in beautiful surroundings, this monastery, dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate, was originally founded in the 12th century but the present building dates to 1770. The monastery has a collection of important icons and treasures. An impressive religious ceremony and celebrations are held on 15th August. Recently the old winery of the monastery was reopened and produces some of the best vintage wine available in Cyprus.

9. PANO PANAYIA
On the west of Troodos 1 1/2 km from Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery.
The birthplace of President Makarios. The house, where he was born, has been turned in a museum.

10. POLIS (known in ancient times as Marion)
37 km north of Paphos
One of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus, it became an important commercial centre in Classical and Hellenistic times, with close relations with Athens. Some beautiful houses, dating to the beginning of this century, can still be seen here. Polis, with its excellent climate and beautiful beaches and scenery, is now developing into a popular resort.

11. BATHS OF APHRODITE (Akamas Peninsula, near Polis)
48 km north of Paphos

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