Have you ever imagined being surrounded by stunning ancient burial grounds in a rugged and desertlike landscape with the Mediterranean Sea as your view? Welcome to the awe-inspiring Tombs of the Kings in Paphos. Discover more about this incredible Necropolis and why it’s worth visiting through a self-guided tour.
The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world.
UNESCO World Heritage Convention
Where are the Tombs of the Kings?
The Tombs of the Kings are in the neighborhood of Kato Paphos in Paphos, Cyprus’ western city. The site is about 2 km north of Paphos Harbour and the Paphos Archaeological Park.
How to Get to the Tombs of the Kings
The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos are easily reached as they are within Paphos’ most popular tourist area. They are just a short drive from the city’s center and the Paphos International Airport.
Nevertheless, here is a list of the best ways to reach the site from Paphos and other parts of Cyprus.
🚗 Car
Renting a car is undoubtedly the most popular way of getting around Cyprus, as it allows flexibility and easy accessibility in Cyprus’ more remote areas.
If you plan to rent a car, the tombs are by Chlorakas Avenue and have a large free parking lot.
🚌 Bus
The site has a bus station on the front named “Tafoi ton Vasileon,” which is Greek for “Tombs of the Kings.” The bus lines that reach the Tombs of the Kings are 603, 611, 615, and 618.
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 the bus line 603 or 618 to reach the Tombs of the Kings.
🚶♀️Walking
Another excellent way to reach the site is on foot. Along the coastline, you’ll find Paphos’ coastal Broadwalk, which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The coastal path starts from Paphos Harbour so that you can combine various sites like Paphos Castle, the Paphos Archaeological Park, and the Tombs of the Kings in a (long and hot) 1-day walking tour!
🏺 A Quick History of the Tombs of the Kings
The Tombs of the Kings were the burial ground for the elite ruling class of Nea Paphos, the ancient city that today lies within the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park by the tombs.
The tombs date from the third century BC to the third century AD, a period spanning the Hellenistic Era and the Roman Era.
But unlike what their name suggests, there were no kings buried here. Instead, the tombs were used for the city’s high officials and the aristocracy.
The reason this necropolis is dubbed the “Tombs of the Kings” is due to its grandeur and architectural significance.
Due to the location and design of the tombs, the catacombs were also used as a refuge spot for Christians who were persecuted by the Romans.
According to Apostle Luke’s Gospel, many early Christians fled to Cyprus to avoid persecution elsewhere.
Later, the tombs were abandoned and were unfortunately looted by grave robbers.
The buried bodies within the tombs’ niches, as well as decorations such as iconographies and frescoes, have eroded due to the tombs’ proximity to the Sea.
⛏️ Excavating the Tombs
Although the Kato Paphos Necropolis was abandoned, the tombs have been known and casually explored (and robbed) for centuries.
The oldest modern account of the Tombs was written by Richard Pockocke in the 18th century.
Later, the Italian-born American consul Luigi Palma di Cesnola carried out the first archaeological excavations, but it is believed that he looted the tombs.
In the 20th century, the curator of the Cyprus Museum finally carried out excavations under scientific supervision, and later, as further systematic excavations occurred, the site revealed more unique tombs and archaeological material. Archaeological excavations are still being carried out.
Why the Tombs of the Kings are Unique
Cyprus is a crossroads between three continents, and numerous civilizations have made the island their home.
An exciting aspect of this ancient necropolis is the influence of various architectural styles from different cultures it features.
The tombs’ structure replicates the ancient Egyptian burial traditions found in Alexandria.
The crypts resemble houses with individual chambers, as they believed the dead should lay in tombs that look like houses of the living.
However, although some of the tombs were built according to Egyptian traditions, some of the tombs feature Greek Doric columns, while others are constructed like the catacombs that have been carved from solid rock in Rome.
Many of the tombs contained expensive grave goods such as offerings of Rhodian amphorae, and they were decorated with colorful frescoes, further proof that the tombs were indeed the burial site of the Paphitic aristocrats.
Self-guided Tour of the Tombs of the Kings
The site features seven tombs, which are scattered across a vast space by the beach. It is open and easily accessible with almost no restrictions, allowing you to explore and wander around the tombs at your own pace.
Once you enter the site, you’ll see the first tomb, an underground catacomb with individual niches carved into the bare rock.
The inside of the tomb is quite dark and eerie, yet it feels magnificent and awe-inspiring, thinking how ancient it is. But honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as the next tombs are even more marvelous.
So, after getting a taste of the Tombs of the Kings’ grandeur, you can wander through the site, following the tree-lined gravel pathway to the other six tombs.
Along the way, you’ll notice huge, natural pieces of rock protruding from the ground like massive boulders.
These rocks were, in fact, dug thousands of years ago, and within them hide crypts. So, the tombs were actually both carved above and beneath the ground on solid natural rocks, making the site even more breathtaking.
The most famous and breathtaking tomb is undoubtedly Tomb Number 3, which features burial chambers and vaults carved on the solid rock beneath the ground with an open-aired peristyle atrium surrounded by pillars and Doric columns.
Initially, the tombs’ walls were decorated with frescoes, indicating that it was the burial site of one of the highest-ranking officials or aristocrats in ancient Paphos.
Best Guided Tours of the Tombs of the Kings Archaeological Site
If you’d like to see the Tombs with an experienced guide, this
Tips for Visiting the Tombs of the Kings
The burial sites are only partially wheelchair accessible due to the rugged natural landscape of the area. Nevertheless, all the tombs are open, and you can easily wander through the site on your own and explore these amazing ancient necropolis.
In fact, the site is open all year round, excluding some public holidays, and the entrance fee is only €2.50! So, don’t miss the opportunity to visit and allow for at least 2 hours to explore and immerse in the area’s history, culture, and beauty.
If you’re visiting in summer, be sure to bring with you water, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen, as the heat is often unbearable.
Generally, winter in Cyprus offers mild temperatures, but as the site is by the open sea, it can get a bit windy, so be sure to wear suitable clothes for wintry weather.
Final Thoughts: Why the Tombs of the Kings are a Must-Visit
The Tombs of the Kings are of high historical significance for Paphos and Cyprus as they provide information related to the diverse cultures, invaders, and influences that make up this small island.
If you’re interested in learning about the complex ancient Cyprus, it’s wonderful to be able to see this history and walk through the site which combines natural beauty, a rich history, and ancient cultural customs in one place.
