Paphos lies on the southwest coast of Cyprus. Throughout Roman rule, Paphos was the capital of the island and dates from Local legend tells that city was originally built on the spot where the Greek Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, was born out of the sea.

Today, Paphos is built on tourism which in recent years has undergone a phenomenal growth. It sparked a property boom with the construction of hotels, apartments and villas for sun-starved visitors from northern Europe.

The city is essentially two parts, the Ktima is the main residential area for locals, whilst Kato Paphos is the chosen destination for holidaymakers, centred around the medieval port. It is here that the majority of hotels, tavernas and bars can be found.

Paphos is famous for the remains of the Roman Governor's palace. Today, many of the mosaics from the palace are a magnet for visiting tourists. Paphos is listed as an official cultural and natural treasures of world's heritage.

Acropolis

Not far from the modern Paphos lighthouse are the remains of a complex of ancient buildings, including an acropolis. Built in the 2nd century AD, it has been restored. during the warm summer evening its is used for music and stage performance. South of the acropolis are the remains of the Roman Temple of Asclepius, the God of Medicine.

The Mosaics of Paphos

The mosaic floors that run through a series of ancient Roman villas, date from the third AD. Of all the ancient archeological treasures of Cyprus, these are perhaps the ones to see. Only 300 metres from the Paphos harbour, the villas are still being excavated. Fabulous in their detail, the mosaics depict mythological scenes. In the House of Dionysus, for example, there are nealry 6,000 square feet of floor space over 14 rooms. All of which are covered with the stunning mosaics.

Catacombs

A large pistachio tree covered in pieces of cloth greets the visitor to the underground catacombs of Agia Solomoni. The clot fragments have been left there by the faithful as votive offerings. in return the sick hope that the sacred tree will cure them of their ailments. Carved into Fabrica hill in the 4th century BC, The catacombs themselves were originally used as chapels by the early Christians missionaries into this part of the world.

Tomb of the Kings

The Tombs of the Kings, lies to the northwest of Paphos harbour and is the grave of about 100 Ptolemaic aristocrats who inhabited the city between 300 BC and 30 AD. The Ptolemaic dynasty ruled over Egypt and large parts of this area for almost 300 years. These massive impressive tombs are carved from solid rock. Some of which still have Doric columns and frescoes on their walls.