Places to See

Amonst the numerous treasures found, are the remarkable mosaics in the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion, beautifully preserved after 16 centuries under the soil. Then there are the mysterious vaults and caves, the Tombs of the Kings, the Pillar to which Saint Paul was allegedly tied and whipped, the ancient Odeon Theatre and other places of interest including the Byzantine Museum and the District Archaeological Museum.

Geroskipou with is remarkable five-domed Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi and its Folk Art Museum is a village very near the town of Pafos, known for its special delight "loukoumi".

Agios Neofytos Monastery, famous for its Enclosure, carved out of the mountain by the hermit himself, boasts some of the finest Byzantine frescoes of the 12th and 15th centuries. Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery makes its own range of wines using home grown grapes. A small museum dedicated to Archbishop Makarios, the first President of Cyprus, is found at Pano Panagia. From here, it is a rewarding drive to the majestic Cedar Valley, home of the indigenous Cyprus horned sheep, the moufflon.

Lempa village can be singled out as one with particular historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa's link with prehistory is the site of a chalcolithic settlement. Further north lies the resort town of Polis, overlooking the beautiful Chrysochou Bay with its charming fishing refuge of Latsi. The relatively unspoiled countryside makes the area a real delight for the walker and naturalist.

Troodos is composed of forests where one can take scenic walks, see a great variety of interesting birds and flora, waterfalls and special picnic sites. There are numerous picturesque villages of immeasurable charm to wander around or just simply to quietly participate in the unhurried pace of rural life.

Each village has a special crop, craft or product for which it is known, for instance rosewater, wines, zivania (traditional highly alcoholic vine), soujouko and palouze (traditional sweets produced with grapes).

The higher slopes are thronged with sports enthusiasts throughout the year, so much for skiing as for hiking along the nature trails, which have clearly marked environmental features of interest.

There is plenty to see in the Troodos mountains. Nine of the many Byzantine churches are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the exquisite art depicted in their icons, frescos and original architecture. Moufflons have been protected for numerous years in a huge natural reserve in the magnificent Cedar Valley and nowadays these timid creatures can often be seen by visitors.

A number of interesting monasteries are scattered in the Troodos range. The largest one is the Kykko Monastery, with a golden icon of Virgin Mary. Other monasteries worth visiting are Machairas and Trooditissa with its distinctive steeply sloped roof.

Aphrodite’s Rock You can't fail to be impressed by this beautiful coastline of azure sea and white cliffs.
Legend has it this is the spot The Greek Goddess of love and beauty was born, she rose from the white foam of the waves and upon her head was placed a gold crown. She came to rest in Kouklia, which also forms part of the Aphrodite Cultural Trail.

Paphos Castle is located on the edge of Paphos harbour. It was originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour

. The Lusignans then rebuilt it in the thirteenth century after being destroyed in the earthquake of 1222. In 1570 the Venetians dismantled it. After capturing the island, the Ottomans restored and strengthened it. Throughout the ages it has seen many uses. 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 that takes place in September.It was declared a listed building in 1935 and represents one of the most distinctive landmarks of the city of Paphos. Several archaeological excavations have taken place to investigate its past.

Mosaics of Paphos The striking mosaic floors in a series of ancient Roman noblemen’s villas, dating from the third to fifth century AD, are a must-see for visitors to Paphos. The site where the villas are still being excavated can be found about 300 metres from the Paphos harbour. The mosaics featuring mythological scenes are visible in the houses of Dionysus, Orpheus and Aion, and the Villa of Theseus. All were made of small cubes of marble and stone, called tesserae, with glass paste added to widen the range of colour. In the House of Dionysus, for example, 5,985 square feet (556 sq metres) of floor space in 14 rooms are covered with the gorgeous mosaics.

George Grivas Dhigenis Museum and Monument The Monument of Memory and Honour was constructed on the shoreline in Chloraka as a Memorial to George Grivas, who fought for the liberation and Independence of Cyprus during 1955-1959. In those days the shoreline of Chloraka was deserted and an ideal site for the secret arrival of the Leader with his first shipment of arms. The boat he arrived on named the Saint George is now housed in a museum very close to the monument. The history and photographs of this period are displayed on the walls. Cyprus was granted independence from British rule in 1960.

Historical Paphos Harbour The charming west coast town of Paphos focusses around an attractive little harbour whose picturesque open-air fish restaurants line a quayside of bright fishing boasts and pleasure crafts. Paphos is entwined with Greek mythology, and the legendary birth of Afrodite on her shores brought fame and worshippers there to follow the cult of the Goddess.

Paphos became the capital of Cyprus under the successors of Alexander the Great - the Ptolemies and in those days its harbour was a busy, thriving port. It continued as the island's first city for more than seven centuries, retaining its importance under Roman rule its most famous Governor Sergius Paulus, was converted to Christianity by St Paul in 45 AD.