One of the reasons I enjoy spending time in this country is because of its ancient history. This came as a surprise to me when I first visited. I knew there was a little, but kept on discovering more. Feeling like an archaeologist in Paphos Cyprus fulfills a childhood dream of mine and I love it.
Paphos Archaeological Park
The largest site to see ancient ruins in the city is at the Archaeological Park. Cost to enter is currently €4.50 and well worth every penny. The entrance is right at the harbour and this begins your exploration of Nea Paphos, what was once the capital of the island.
Built in the 4th century BC by Nicocles, the last king of Paphos, the city is comprised of Greek and Roman structures. Don’t miss the four extravagant villas full of stunning mosaics. These are perhaps the best places excavated so far, and depict Greek mythology and hunting scenes in extraordinary detail.
While wandering around the extensive ruins, visitors will want to climb the restored odeon for views over the city. Next to it are the remains of an ancient medical facility as well as an agora, the central meeting place of Nea Paphos.
Tombs of The Kings
Just down the road, perhaps a 20-minute walk, is the entrance to the necropolis of Nea Paphos. The Tombs of the Kings is the name given to this massive underground cave like cemetery that is 2000 years old. Cost to enter is just €1.50 and the first tomb is immediately on your left. Head down and inside each of these caves, into the darkness and crypts. A spooky experience, but one that is truly incredible.
This site was also used as a quarry by the Romans and as a result, much of the rock shapes above ground, have been carved out into unique shapes.
There are several tombs that must not be missed and one such is Tomb #3. This is perhaps the most popular, an underground cavity complete with pillars. As I explore in the darkness, I can enter little rooms and caves that connect by tunnels into other spaces. It is such a fantastic experience, especially since there are hardly any other people here, so it feels like one is discovering these sites alone….in the darkness.
Fabrica Hill Caves
Walking around Paphos visitors will notice this raised metal walkway. Find an entrance near the archaeological site and take it to its end, over the traffic below. Where it will lead you to is the Fabrica Hill catacomb system. What you have stumbled into below ground, is an ancient Hellenistic set of caves, tombs and quarry. Walk into each cavity, carefully, and be astounded by the sheer vastness of some of these spaces.
Others are small and dingy little spaces, once the sacred resting places of the dead. Up on the surface is the remainder of a Hellenistic mosaic pebble floor depicting sea life, similar to one found in the archaeological site. And just next door to the catacombs is the Roman theatre. It is not accessible but you can peer through the fencing to have a good look.
These are just a few of the sites around Paphos that will have you feeling like an archaeologist in no time. Most of the area around the city only saw excavations begin in earnest in 1965. Since then, there have been small pockets of work, but in actuality, the vast majority of treasure here remains safely buried, untouched, and hidden from view.
