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    Tourist Attractions in Paphos

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Paphos. Photos and a brief description.

    Paphos
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    87.6 ° F
    94.2 °
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    Mon
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    Tue
    84 °
    Wed
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    About Paphos

    Paphos has a reputation as the best Cyprus resort for a romantic trip or for a quiet respectable holiday. The city is surrounded by picturesque coves and secluded beaches, where you can endlessly enjoy the sound of sea waves.

    The historical sights of Paphos are valuable architectural monuments that have remained to people from the greatest civilizations of antiquity. Greek and Roman buildings, medieval castles, the first Christian monasteries – all these places will certainly attract the attention of tourists.

    In Paphos and its surroundings there is everything for a high–quality and full-fledged rest – excellent hotels with European service, taverns with delicious Cypriot cuisine and magnificent well-groomed beaches with the purest water.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Paphos

    Archaeological Park of Paphos

    An open-air museum, where the remains of the ancient city of Nea Paphos and the medieval fort of Saranta-Kolones, dating back to the VII century, are located. In the 1960s, well-preserved mosaics created in accordance with the plots of ancient mythology were discovered inside the buildings of the Roman era of the III–V centuries - the houses of Orpheus, Theseus, Iona and Dionysus.

    Archaeological Park of Paphos
    Villa of Dionysus

    Villa of Dionysus

    The remains of an antique mansion of the II century, once owned by a Roman aristocrat. The name "villa of Dionysus" was assigned to him for the reason that there is a mosaic "the triumph of Dionysus", which depicts the Greek god of winemaking, sitting on a chariot drawn by leopards. He is accompanied by the gods Pan and Satyr. The villa is located on the territory of an Archaeological Park.

    Saranta Colones Castle

    A Byzantine fortress built in the VII century to protect Paphos from the claims of Arab conquerors. At that time, it was part of a powerful system of defensive fortifications. In 1200, the building was rebuilt after the Knights of the Order of St. John (Hospitallers) settled here. In 1222, the castle was destroyed by an earthquake and since then it has been in ruins.

    Saranta Colones Castle
    Odeon Theatre

    Odeon Theatre

    An ancient amphitheater of the II century, which the Greeks and Romans worked hard to build. The Odeon is quite well preserved due to the fact that it was almost completely carved out of a monolithic rock. That is why the earthquake of the IV century did not bring him significant destruction. The theater was discovered in 1973 during excavations. Nowadays, festivals and concerts are held on its territory.

    Paphos Castle

    A medieval fortress of the XIII century, which previously served as a defensive structure, prison and warehouse. The fortification lasted until 1570, after which it was dismantled by the Venetians. After the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottoman Turks, the castle was restored and fortified. In 1935, it was declared a historical monument and became one of the tourist attractions of Cyprus.

    Paphos Castle
    Royal Tombs

    Royal Tombs

    An underground necropolis carved out of rock, where aristocrats and senior officials were buried until the III century. The first graves date back to the IV century BC. Many crypts of tombs are decorated with columns and frescoes, others are made in the form of full-fledged residential buildings. The first adherents of the Christian religion hid from persecution in these catacombs.

    Catacombs of Saint Solomonia

    The catacombs were dug in the IV century BC and were originally used as tombs. At the end of the II century, Saint Solomonia, who escaped from Palestine with her sons, took refuge here from persecution. The children of the martyr were killed before her eyes by order of King Antiochus, she herself died while praying over their bodies. It is believed that the relics of Saint Solomonia are buried in one of the grottoes of the catacombs.

    Catacombs of Saint Solomonia
    Church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa

    Church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa

    It is believed that the Apostle Paul was subjected to corporal punishment on the site of the temple in the I century, after which he converted the first Roman official to Christianity. In the IV century, an early Christian basilica in the Byzantine style was erected here. Around 1300, a large three-nave church was built next to it, which lasted until the XVI century. The modern church was built on the ruins of the basilica around 1500. Today it is an important pilgrimage center.

    Monastery of St. Neophyte

    The monastery was founded in the XII century by a wandering monk Neophyte Recluse. The complex is located about 10 km away. from Pathos. After the conquest of Cyprus by the Turks, the monastery was looted and gradually fell into disrepair. Its revival began only in the middle of the XVIII century. The main church of the monastery houses the relics of St. Neophyte, discovered in 1756. Nowadays, the monastery is a pilgrimage center and a popular tourist attraction.

    Monastery of St. Neophyte
    Chrysoroyatissa Monastery

    Chrysoroyatissa Monastery

    The men 's monastery is 40 km away . from Paphos, founded by the hermit Ignatius in the XII century. The monastery complex acquired its modern appearance in 1770, when new buildings appeared on its territory. The main relic of the monastery is an ancient icon of the Virgin, which Ignatius miraculously fished out of the waters of the Mediterranean Sea (according to another version, the hermit found the image of the Virgin Mary in one of the mountain caves).

    Archaeological Museum

    The exposition of the museum consists of finds discovered during excavations in the area of Marione Lempe New Pathos to Geroskipou and other ancient settlements. The collection is located in five halls. It consists of stone sculptures, ceramic dishes, jewelry and other artifacts belonging to a time period spanning several millennia. The museum was opened in 1936, in 1966 it moved to a separate building.

    Archaeological Museum
    The Byzantine Museum

    The Byzantine Museum

    The museum was established in 1983 with the participation of the highest church hierarchs of Cyprus for the purpose of studying and popularizing church Byzantine art. The exposition consists of valuable Orthodox icons of the VII-XIX centuries, frescoes and iconostases taken from the destroyed churches of the Metropolis of Paphos, manuscripts, church utensils and ancient theological literature found on the territory of decayed monasteries.

    Ethnographic Museum

    The private collection of the Eliadis family, which has existed since 1958. The museum is located in a historic building of the XV century. Antique furniture, ceramics, works of folk art, interior items, tableware, textiles, coins and other valuable exhibits are exhibited here. The Eliadis family was seriously interested in the history and culture of Cyprus. They have been collecting their collection for several decades.

    Ethnographic Museum
    Bird and Animal Park

    Bird and Animal Park

    The park grew out of the private collection of ornithologist K. Christophorou, who kept exotic birds at home for a long time. In 2003, the area of the dwelling was not enough, so it was decided to create a public park. Today, this place has become one of the most visited attractions in Cyprus. In addition to a large number of birds, crocodiles, tigers, giraffes, kangaroos and other animals live here.

    Eleouthkia Botanical Park

    The park is located on a relatively small territory. It consists of 13 themed gardens where thousands of plants grow, including roses, cacti, conifers, tropical flowers and many other species. In the park there is a small exposition made up of items of Cypriot everyday life. There is also a tavern for visitors, where you can have lunch after a walk through the picturesque park alleys.

    Eleouthkia Botanical Park
    Sea caves

    Sea caves

    A stretch of coast about 18 km from Paphos, dotted with picturesque grottoes, coves and bizarre rock formations in the form of arches. In some places, tourists have a safe descent to the water, so that they have the opportunity to plunge into the gentle Mediterranean Sea. Sea caves are an incredibly beautiful place that attracts romantics and lovers of fascinating landscapes here.

    Akamas Peninsula National Park

    A protected area located 50 km from Paphos. The park is a unique area of the pristine nature of Cyprus. Rare endemic plants grow on the territory of the reserve, more than 168 species of birds, several dozen species of reptiles and mammals live. The Akamas ecosystem is located on the border of several natural zones, which is why rare climatic conditions are created here.

    Akamas Peninsula National Park
    Petra-tu-Romiu

    Petra-tu-Romiu

    Petra tou Romiou is also known as Aphrodite's Rock. It was here, according to legend, that the Greek goddess of beauty came to light from the foam of the sea. According to another legend, the Achaeans landed at this place after arriving from Troy. There is a picturesque beach near the cliff, where a harmonious and cozy atmosphere reigns. The natural beauty of this place attracts many tourists who want to admire the picturesque landscapes.

    Paphos City Beach

    The bathing area is located in the center of the tourist part of the city near the Paphos Castle. The beach stretches for 150 meters along the coast. It is surrounded by numerous bars and taverns, and is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure elements. On the beach you can rent catamarans, jet skis, "bananas" and other types of water transport.

    Paphos City Beach
    Water park

    Water park "Aphrodite"

    Aphrodite is the third largest water amusement park on the island of Cyprus. There are 23 slides for tourists, designed for both adults and children. There are several outdoor pools and comfortable recreation areas on the territory of the water park. Landscape designers worked hard on the interior space, who managed to create a paradise of tropical vegetation.