A Visitor's Guide to MuseumsPaphos
Plan your visit
Beat the Heat
Stay Hydrated
EasyConferences
Did you know?Aphrodite's Birthplace
Did you know?Aphrodite's Birthplace
Aphrodite’s Rock, also known as Petra tou Romiou, is a legendary landmark located on the coast of Paphos, Cyprus.
According to ancient mythology, this striking sea stack is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
Rising majestically from the waves, Aphrodite’s Rock has captivated visitors for centuries with its natural beauty and mythical significance. It is said that Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam at this very spot, making it one of the most popular Paphos attractions.
Cultural AttractionsPaphos
- Archaeological Sites
- Museums
- Religion
Paphos Archaeological Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site features ancient Roman villas with stunning mosaics, dating back to the 2nd century AD.
Tombs of the Kings: An impressive necropolis with underground tombs carved out of solid rock, used by high-ranking officials during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Paphos Castle: Originally built as a Byzantine fort, this castle has been rebuilt several times and offers panoramic views of the harbor.
Palaiokastro Site: is where the first ancient Greek (Mycenaean) settled upon their arrival in Cyprus in 1200 BC.
Archaeological Museum of Pafos: The Archaeological Museum of Pafos features an impressive collection of Cypriot antiquities, dating back to the Neolithic Age. Explore relics from the Iron Age, Classical and Byzantine periods, and the Middle Ages. The museum’s five exhibition rooms and yard display ceramic vessels, ancient pottery, intricate jewelry, coins, stone sarcophagi, and Roman marble sculptures.
Byzantine Museum: The Byzantine Museum in Geroskipou’s central square displays ecclesiastical metal objects, intricate embroidery, rare icons, manuscripts, and frescoes from the 7th century AD. Visitors can explore liturgical books, including Gospels from 1462 and 1604, and one of Cyprus’ oldest icons from the pre-iconoclastic period, showcasing the rich Byzantine heritage and high artistic achievements of the era.
Folk Art Museum: Housed in a traditional 18th Century building, the Museum houses a diverse collection of exhibits from all over Cyprus, representing the daily life, various crafts and activities, and the different expressions of Cypriot folk art during the 19th and early 20th Centuries.
Ethnographical Museum: Located in a traditional 18th-century building, this museum showcases a diverse collection of exhibits from across Cyprus. These items represent daily life, various crafts, and expressions of Cypriot folk art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa: A church built over the ruins of an early Christian basilica, featuring beautiful mosaics and St. Paul’s Pillar.
St. Paul’s Pillar: A significant religious site where St. Paul was allegedly flogged.
St. Solomon’s Catacombs: An underground complex of tombs and a significant religious site.
Tombs of the Kings
Tombs of the Kings
The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos is an awe-inspiring archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing ancient underground tombs carved into solid rock. These tombs date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods (4th century BC to 3rd century AD) and were not meant for royalty despite their grand architecture, but for high-ranking officials and wealthy families.
The site is remarkable for its intricately designed burial chambers, with some tombs featuring Doric columns and frescoed walls that hint at the cultural influences of the time. Nestled near the coastline, the Tombs of the Kings offer visitors a glimpse into the funerary traditions of ancient Cyprus while providing stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
FestivitiesPaphos
- Festivities
Anthestiria Festival: Celebrated in May, this festival pays homage to spring and nature’s rebirth. Inspired by ancient Greek traditions, it features flower parades, beautifully decorated floats, and markets selling local plants and crafts. Visitors enjoy a colorful spectacle that blends history with natural beauty.
Aphrodite Festival: Every September, the medieval castle of Paphos becomes a stage for world-class opera performances. This internationally acclaimed event combines enchanting music with the magical backdrop of the harbor, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
Kataklysmos: This unique festival, celebrated in June, blends religious tradition with seaside fun. Based on ancient and Christian customs, it includes water games, boat races, and cultural performances. The festival symbolizes purification and renewal, and Paphos’ coastline becomes the hub of festivities.
Paphos International Film Festival (PIFF): A modern addition to the city’s cultural scene, this festival showcases independent films from around the world. Held annually, PIFF attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinema lovers, offering screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities.