The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is a must-visit destination for every history buff and those curious to witness an ancient city’s evolution from prehistoric times up to the Middle Ages. The UNESCO World Heritage site features intriguing and well-preserved mosaics, early Christian basilicas, and a host of other ancient monuments. Here’s a complete guide to discovering at your own pace this exciting ancient site.
Where is the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park?
The Kato Paphos (or Kato Pafos) Archaeological Park contains ruins of the city of ancient Nea Paphos. it’s located in Kato Paphos, a resort area on the coast that includes Paphos Harbour.
Paphos is on the southwest coast of Cyprus and is the most popular destination in Cyprus for international travelers because of its historical and cultural significance and the sheer volume and quality of its many archaeological sites, either within the city, or only a short drive away.
Paphos has its own airport, the Paphos International Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive from the Park.
How to get to the Paphos Archaeological Park
Thankfully, the Park is within walking distance of the main tourist areas of Paphos and just a short drive distance from the Old Town of Paphos. But let’s in more detail how to get there from Paphos and other parts of Cyprus.
🚗 By Car
It’s a good idea to rent a car when you land in Cyprus as it allows you to explore and discover the island’s beautiful cities, historical and cultural sites, and stunning beaches at your own pace.
There’s a parking lot just a few meters away from the Park, right next to the Promenade.
The park is only about a 10-minute drive from Paphos city center, while it is about one hour away from Limassol, one hour and a half from Larnaca, and one hour and fifty minutes from Nicosia.
🚌 Bus
The closest bus stations to reach the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park are the Paphos Harbor Station, which is a 5-minute walk away, and the Tafoi Ton Vasileon (Tombs of the Kings), which is a 15-minute walk away.
You can reach Paphos Harbor with bus line 610, and bus lines 603, 618, and 632 will directly take you to Tafoi Ton Vasileon.
If you’re traveling from other cities, Paphos’ main bus station, Karavella Bus Station, has daily arrivals and departures from Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca.
From there, you can take either of the bus lines 603, 618, and 632 and reach the park through Tafoi Ton Vasileon.
🏺 The History of Nea Paphos
The Archaeological site in Kato Paphos contains the ruins of the ancient city, Nea Paphos, which means New Paphos.
The city was founded by the last king of Palaeipaphos (Old Paphos), King Nicocles, in the late 4th century BC.
Later, Nea Paphos flourished and became a prominent Hellenistic and Roman city and hub of culture, trade, and religion. In fact, from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD, it acted as Cyprus’ capital.
In the Hellenistic period, New Paphos was ruled by the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt.
It was a significant cultural center, which today you can experience from the magnificent villas with their stunning, colorful, well-preserved mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
The city continued to prosper under Roman rule as it became the capital of the Roman province of Cyprus and an important administrative and commercial hub.
During this period, new buildings were constructed, such as the Roman Odeon and the Roman Agora.
Today, you can explore through the paths across these significant buildings and follow the ancient people’s footsteps.
In the 4th century AD, Nea Paphos experienced significant changes due to the rapid spread of Christianity across the island. Many of the pagan temples were converted into early Christian churches or abandoned.
In the end, gradually, the city was completely deserted due to the Arab invasions.
The remains of this once-flourishing city were found in the 20th century, but excavations are still ongoing. The site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.
Paphos Archaeological Park
Nea Paphos experienced various periods. For instance, it was the major hub for Aphrodite’s religion and was home to the largest temple dedicated to her.
Later, it was the island’s capital and a significant cultural and art center, and it played a significant role in the spread of Christianity on the island.
So, it’s not a surprise that the Archaeological Paphos holds many stunning archaeological treasures. here are the essential attractions within the park that you shouldn’t miss.
1. The House of Dionysus
The House of Dionysus is a Roman villa home to stunning mosaic floors that mainly depict numerous representations of the god of wine, Dionysus, hence its name.
It also features other stunning mosaics from mythology, hunting scenes, and other Roman symbols.
The building dates back to the 2nd century AD, but as the house is built around a courtyard, and the mosaic floor at its entrance depicts sea shells and the mythic sea monster Skyla.
There are a series of slightly raised walkways around the villa with the superbly preserved mosaic floors clearly seen from every angle.
it is likely built on top of an earlier Hellenistic building. The villa was destroyed during massive earthquakes in the 4th century.
2. The House of Aion
The House of Aion is what used to be a luxurious Roman villa that, until today, showcases the rich legacy of Cyprus’ Roman period.
Named after the god of eternity, Aion, this stunning house is an excellent example of the era’s ever-lasting artistic prowess and architectural ingenuity.
The villa features intriguing, well-preserved floor mosaics depicting the bath of Aphrodite, the beauty contest between Cassiopeia and the Nereids, the newborn Dionysus and his triumph, Lyda and the Swan, and Apollon and Marcia.
3. The House of Theseus
The House of Theseus is another Roman villa built above the foundations of an earlier Hellenistic villa.
The House of Theseus is believed to have been the home of a proconsul, the city’s governor, or the commander, as it features more than 100 rooms.
The villa is also home to numerous gorgeous mosaic floors. The oldest is from the 3rd century AD, depicting Theseus fighting the Minotaur in the labyrinth, hence the name of the house.
Other mosaics with mythological scenes include a depiction of Poseidon with Amphitrite and the first bath of the newborn Achilles.
4. The House of Orpheus
Much like the other beautiful houses within the park, the House of Orpheus is a Roman villa and an excellent representation of the luxurious domestic lifestyle of the Roman era in Paphos.
The house takes its name from the remarkable mosaic depicting Orpheus charming animals with his lyre. Interestingly, the mosaic features an inscription of the artist’s name.
The house’s architecture is an example of a Hellenistic structure as it’s centered around a courtyard.
Also, it features other beautiful, well-preserved mosaics, including the mosaic of Hercules and the Nemea lion and an Amazonian with a horse.
5. Odeon
The Odeon is a 2nd-century AD amphitheater built with pure limestone during the Roman era of the city. The ancient Odeium had 12 rows of seats and was an essential part of Cypru’s cultural history.
In fact, until today, the Odeon is used for stage musical, theatrical, and live performances.
For instance, every year, the Paphos Choir Festival and the Rhythms of Light Festival occur at this ancient amphitheater, continuing Cyprus’ rich cultural heritage.
6. Asklepieion
The Asklepieion was a temple dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepeio. But it was also used as the city’s medical center, nursing home, and disabled care under the protection of the god Asklepeio.
The Asklepieion was a huge complex with various rooms and a central courtyard. The building shows the people’s faith, as well as the advancement and incredible infrastructure of this ancient city.
7. Saranta Kolones Castle
As mentioned earlier, the Paphos Archaeological Park is home to ruins from prehistoric to Middle Age times.
So, after exploring Hellenistic and Roman ruins, now it’s time to explore the medieval Saranta Kolones.
The site is the ruins of a 13th-century castle built by the Lusignans on top of a previous 7th-century Byzantine fort constructed to protect the city from the Arab invaders.
The name means forty columns and refers to the castle’s forty granite columns used as the base.
8. Limeniotissa – Early Christian Basilica
Limeniotissa is an early Christian Basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Harbor. The church was built during the Byzantine era, in the early 5th century AD.
Initially, it featured three aisles with two rows of marble columns, an apse, and a narthex, while the floors and walls were decorated with geometric mosaics.
However, during the Arab raids, it was severely damaged. After their evacuation from the island, it was restored, but once again, it was destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 12th and 13th centuries.
It was forgotten until it was discovered once again in 1937 and then excavated in 1959. Today, it features some colorful mosaics and a few restored columns.
9. The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse in the Paphos Archaeological Park is a more recent addition as it was built by the British colonizers in 1888.
Located on the peninsula known as Paphos Point at 36 meters above sea level, the lighthouse acted as a marker for ships heading to Paphos harbor from Britain and its colonies.
Today it’s more interesting inside than out, with a few small exhibitions hung don’t he walls inside the structure.
Take a Private Walking Tour with an Experienced Guide
If you’d rather discover the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park with a guide, this Paphos Private Walking Tour is the perfect length.
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
With stunning discoveries of intriguing and well-preserved mosaics, Hellenistic and Roman ruins, and early Christian basilicas, this incredible archaeological park will easily immerse you in Cyprus’ rich history and culture.
So, if you’re seeking a unique experience through time, be sure to add the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park to any Cyprus itinerary.
