This is a must see sight if you are coming to Cyprus. I was completely overwhelmed by how magical this place is. I set out early, wanting to be one of the first to arrive so I would have the necropolis to myself. The amazing Tombs of the Kings in Paphos is a treat.
Brief History
The Tombs of the Kings date as far back as the 4th century BC and were in fact a cemetery for a period of about 700 years. First during the Hellenistic period and later used by the Romans.
The name is a bit misleading for no kings were buried here. Instead, these are the tombs of the elite, highest officials and most wealthy. The tombs are so grand and extravagant, that when they were first discovered in the 1500’s was given the name they have today.
Tombs
A total of eight tombs have been excavated so far. As one walks the site it is clear that many more remain buried safely underground. Most of the signage at each individual tomb is missing, however a few still have their tomb # markers.
Tomb #3
Tomb #3 is perhaps the most famous and most photographed. This gorgeous space is completely underground and contains an atrium open to the skies. Surrounding the courtyard are large pillars and beyond these are cave like openings that bury deep into the recesses of the rock with individual tombs.
Some of these have further descending stairs, but unless you have a flashlight, you won’t be seeing anything down there. Virtually nothing is roped off though, so if you want to explore as I did? You will be able to, to your hearts content.
Tomb #4
Much like #3, tomb #4 has a central atrium. The pillars in here are much more weather worn, however the tombs and caves themselves were more interesting for me to explore.
Remember, all of these pillars, decorative features, caves and loculi (individual tombs) are all carved out of the stone. Nothing was imported into the area.
External Tomb
One singular massive block of stone is above ground. You can clearly see that this was a fully carved tomb at one point in time, however the weather has paid havoc being as exposed as it is.
With an opening that is precariously positioned, I had fun climbing into and over this huge stone.
Other Tombs
I stayed in the site for a few hours, walking to every tomb as I wanted to see as much as I could. I was rewarded with sights than many probably miss if they don’t explore further afield.
Please go into each cave and crevasse. Inside one, I came across a tomb with a beautifully if subtly carved door inside an inner chamber.
This tomb was massive with so many small cavities and odd vertical cavities that I had not seen in any other tomb.
Many of the area’s you explore you will see the upper openings of graves and caves peeking through the sand. Clearly these are tombs that are still buried. Perhaps robbed 100’s of years ago, but unexcavated by professionals.
I could go on and on about this site. I had so much fun exploring this vast area right next to the Mediterranean Sea in Paphos. The views are stunning, the ground is easy walking and like I said previously, virtually nothing is roped off so explore as much as you wish. As I walked around, I was completely and utterly absorbed by the beauty and fascination of the place. In my heart, for those few hours, I was convinced I was Gertrude Bell and Howard Carter. 😂
