A history dating back more than 8000 years, Paphos is home to many proud treasures. Time-travel to the past and discover the ruins of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses
and tombs belonging to the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Situated near Paphos harbour, the Paphos Archaeological Park — listed as one of the natural and cultural riches in UNESCO’s world heritage sites — allows access to several prehistoric centres and monuments.
Renowned for being some of the best maintained mosaics globally, the spectacular mosaic floors of four Roman villas are an unmissable highlight of the Park. The complex also includes other significant monuments, such as the Asklipieion, Saranta Kolones (Forty Columns) Fortress, Limeniotissa ruins of early Christian Basilica and the Tombs of the Kings: a large underground necropolis carved into the native rock dating back to the 4th century BC and thought to have been the burial sites of Paphitic aristocrats and high
officials.
A jump forward to recent history brings you to the nearby Medieval Castle of Paphos, originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the Paphos harbour in the late 12th century. The stunning stone-walled castle has seen many uses throughout the ages: It has served as a fortress, a prison and even a warehouse for salt during the British occupation of the island. More recently the castle serves as a backdrop to the annual open air Paphos cultural festival which takes place inSeptember. But at any time of year, the castle is a must see during a Cyprus trip.
Open daily, visitors can call +357 26 30 62 17 for general information.