This will have to be two posts, there are too many things to show you from this absolutely incredible site. I had no idea, when I decided to visit the amazing Paphos Archaeological Park that I would see as many cool things as I did. Nea Pafos as it is officially referred to, is the ancient city built during the Hellenistic reign and later taken over by the Romans.
Mosaics
These will be covered the second post, but I thought I would give a small mention here. I have never in my life seen ancient mosaic floors like I did here at the park. They made everything I have seen to date, look like it was made by children. Yes, they are that good.
Other Stuff 😂
Let’s start off by saying that this park is huge! There are about 18 designated sites to see, about 2/3 are located within this fenced park. The rest you have to wander around town and try and find on your own. Weird? Yes. But homes and business were built before anyone really gave credence to these amazing structures.
Odeon
Probably the best preserved of what I saw was the Odeon. Standing and looking almost like it could have been built 100 years ago, it was in fact built 2,000 years ago! The Odeon is where musical performances took place. There is evidence of an auditorium, orchestra, stage and two passages.
Facing away from the sea and having been built into a natural cliff wall, the view is towards the mountains and the feeling in this space is exhilarating, makes you want to burst out in song. Of course I didn’t, the creatures would been sent scurrying for their lives. 😂
Saranda Colones Castle
The other most amazing structure is the Saranda Colones Castle, built around 1200AD during the Frankish & Byzantine Periods. Constructed upon the site of an old fortress, this castle soon collapsed, in 1223AD in an earthquake. It was never rebuilt.
The inner castle with a square yard and four towers was only accessible by a wooden bridge over a huge moat. Surrounding the moat was a massive wall and eight more towers.
Inside the courtyard, are many dark granite columns, white marble pieces, even a snow white marble basin which I could not resist but to dunk my feet into.
There remain stone arches, boulders and so many other interesting pieces of shaped and carved stone. I was fascinated exploring this castle. Underneath were caves that I found as well! How cool!
The Grounds
The entire site is a city, or was a city, the capital in fact of the Island of Cyprus. As you wander around this vast space, you will encounter many walls, ruins and houses. Most of the houses have exquisite flooring which is the main focus of those.
However, wander around and you will find gorgeous streets lined with pillars, smaller houses, rooms, and any assortment of amazing sights.
The cost to enter is a meagre €4.50 or $6.50 CAD, well worth the price. I spent four hours here, not sitting once except for some photos. There is that much to see. And even then, I’m sure I missed some things. I will say, the directional signs around the site are lacking, which is a shame as I would have liked to see everything.
