/ history and mystery /
EXPLORE
PAPHOS —
A great Historical
city in Cyprus
Paphos is a wonderful city located in the southwest coastal
region of Cyprus. During ancient times two places were known
as Paphos, they were Old Paphos and New Paphos.
C
urrently, the inhabited location is the New Paphos which is situated on
the coast of Mediterranean. Paphos and its harbor have a rich histori-
cal as well as mythical background which has attracted the attention
of archaeologists, historians along with tourists all around the world.
Old Paphos have been famous since ancient times because of various
myths and mysteries associated with Aphrodite. During the times of
Greece and Roman, Paphos was the capital of the island. The City of Paphos sits
proudly on the UNESCO official list of World Heritage Sites since 1980.
Paphos has always been surrounded by a large number of mysteries as well as
mythical facts. In fact, name of the city also has been associated with a large number
of myths. It is believed that an ivory sculpture made by Pygmalion was brought into
existence by the goddess Aphrodite, as Galatea. Paphos was the son of Pygmalion
and Galatea. According to historians, Cinyras who was the son of Paphos, founded
the city under his name.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Archaeological Park of Paphos is located near
the harbor of Paphos. This park is still under the
process of excavation. This park constitutes of a large
number of monuments as well as sites which belong
to the Middle Ages.
Out of many relics, the most memorable is the
House of Dionysos (God of Wine), the House of
Orpheus, four Roman Villas, the House of Aion
as well as the House of Theseus with its mesmer-
izing mosaic floors. Along with this, under various
excavations conducted by archaeologists Fortress of
Saranta Kolones, the Hellenistic — Roman Theatre
as well as Tombs of the Kings were discovered.
APHRODITE BIRTH PLACE
This island has been associated with the Greek
goddess of love, beauty and sexuality Aphrodite’s
birth. Petra tou Romiou which is also known as the
Aphrodite Birthplace in mythology has been a major
tourist attraction since ancient times. According
to a legend, Gaia or Mother Earth pushed her son
Kronus to injure Uranus, his father, and in the heat
of battle, Kronus removed his father’s testicles and
tossed it into the sea.
As per the local versions, when Uranus attempted
to escape from Cronus, then his testicles and parts of
the lower body fell into the sea. White foam emerged
and a maiden arose from the sea which was later on
called Aphrodite. The local myth holds that if some-
one circles the Aphrodite rock three times, while
swimming, then he/she will be blessed of good luck,
true love and beauty.
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• 2018 EDITION