Hospitable Cyprus occupies a worthy place in the world ranking of popularity among foreigners.
Rich cultural heritage, highly developed tourism and a wide range of entertainment create a unique atmosphere of rest and a desire not to leave the sunny island. Of all the cities in the country, the triad of attractiveness is maximally represented in ancient Paphos, the central part of which is protected by UNESCO. This blog compiles some of the most interesting sites to visit in the southwestern region of Cyprus.
Church of St. Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa
The largest church of the Byzantine period was built in the 4th century on the foundations of a Roman forum. Over the next two centuries, its architecture underwent a number of changes: the number of naves (a nave is a room bounded by a row of columns) was reduced from seven to five, and the interior space was divided by granite columns. The floors were decorated with artistic mosaics, fragments of which have survived to this day. In the VII century, during the Arab raids on the island, the basilica was destroyed.
Its current incarnation is the church erected in 1500 by the Catholic Diocese of Paphos. The central part of the roof is crowned by an octagonal lantern, and at the turn of the XIX century, a bell tower was added to the building. The Column of St. Paul, to which he was tied by the Romans who invaded the island, has been miraculously preserved to this day. As punishment for preaching Christianity, St. Paul received 39 lashes. In 1987, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Paphos gave the church of St. Kyriaki to the Catholic parish. Since then the Anglican and Lutheran Dioceses of Cyprus have been holding services here. On special dates (the day of the Apostles Peter and Paul) the Orthodox rites are held in the church. Today the basilica is the center of Christian pilgrimage and one of the most significant architectural monuments of Cyprus.
Opening hours: daily from 8.00 to 17.00.
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa on the map
Monastery of St. Neophytos
The monastery is located 10 km from Paphos near the village of Tala. It was founded in the middle of XII century by the monk Neophytos the Hermit, who devoted his whole life to the service of God. Neophytos was born into a peasant family and at the age of 18 became a novice at the monastery of St. John Chrysostom near Nicosia, where he studied literacy and worked in the vineyards. Soon the young man turned to an ascetic lifestyle and began traveling to Christian settlements and monasteries. In 1159 Neophytus returned to Cyprus and settled in a cave where he prayed and described historical events. A decade later, Bishop Basil of Paphos persuaded the monk to accept the dignity of priest and to take disciples as assistants. At the same time he drew up the monastic statutes. For more than 60 years Neophytos was engaged in the study of books and was himself an author of spiritual literature. He died at the age of 90, leaving behind a multi-volume library.
In the second half of the XVI century the monastery suffered from the raids of the Turks and until the middle of the XVIII century, it had a bad time. The abbey is located at an altitude of over 400 meters, offering a panorama of Paphos against the sea. The east wing houses a museum with icons, books and other religious items. Near the entrance there is a shop where you can buy souvenirs, honey and other locally produced sweets. Nowadays the active monastery belongs to the Cypriot Orthodox Church and attracts pilgrims and tourists from many parts of the world.
The museum's opening schedule:
- April through October - daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- November through March - daily from 9.00 to 16.00.
Holy Monastery of St. Neophytos the Recluse on the map
Church Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Paphos
The museum is located in the former elementary school building in Geroskipou Square. Until 2017, it was called the Byzantine Museum of Paphos and occupied the eastern wing of the Metropolitan Palace. The permanent exhibition was first organized in 1983 with the aim of preserving and scientifically researching art objects from the Byzantine period. The most significant exhibit of the museum is the collection (over a hundred) of Cypriot Orthodox icons. The pearl of the collection is St. Marina, the most ancient image of the VII-VIII centuries found on the territory of Cyprus. The exposition also includes a library of ancient manuscripts and religious literature, samples of church utensils made of metal, carved woodwork and salvaged frescoes from destroyed monasteries. The collection of priestly vestments (vestments) embroidered with gold threads deserves special attention. The museum has a small bookstore where you can buy souvenirs and replicas of the exhibits you like.
Working schedule:
- Monday - Friday - from 9.00 to 16.00
- Saturday - from 9.00 to 13.00
- Sunday and public holidays - the museum is closed
Byzantine Museum Pafos on the map
Royal Tombs
One of the main attractions of Pafos is located near the city harbor and the lighthouse. Since the 3rd century BC, the necropolis has been the final resting place of local aristocrats and the highest ranks of the town. No confirmation of the burial of the crowned persons or members of their families has been found, and the object got its name because of the majestic appearance of the tombs carved in the rocks. They are built in the form of houses and even small palaces with columns, which indicates the influence of Egyptian architecture. At the same time, each burial complex belonged to one family. In those distant times there was a conviction that even after death people should be surrounded by lifetime environment. Therefore, some tombs are decorated with frescoes and stone carvings.
The tombs are connected with each other by underground passages united in catacombs, which served as shelters for Christians during the period of Roman rule. Since antiquity, the unguarded necropolis has been repeatedly looted, attracting "black diggers", to put it in modern terms. It was only in 1977 that legal archaeological excavations began. The tombs of the kings occupy an area of more than 30 hectares, for orientation at the entrance there is a large detailed map.
Opening hours:
- during the winter season (September 16 - April 15) - from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- in the summer season (April 16 - September 15) - 8:30 - 19:30.
Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings on the map
Aphrodite Water Park
The largest water amusement park in western Cyprus is located in the tourist area of Geroskipou. At the moment it is closed, but from April it can be the best alternative to a beach vacation. In a relatively small space, the following types of amusements are presented:
- slides down indoor slides, including spiraling and racing,
- riding on open slides of different lengths and configurations,
- wave pool - a pool with artificial waves of variable intensity,
- turbulent and lazy rivers, where you can swim on "water trampolines" and other watercrafts among caves, fountains and waterfalls.
A pirate ship and a separate swimming pool are built for children, and a mini volcano is waiting for little climbers. There are several cafes in the water park, around which there are green areas with exotic flowering plants. There is a souvenir store on the territory, organization of children's parties and corporate events is available. Individual lockers and changing booths are equipped for guests' convenience. Each visitor receives an electronic bracelet at the entrance, which is used to pay for additional services. Real money can be spent only at the exit.
Working schedule:
- April, May, June, September, October - from 10.00 to 17.00
- July, August - from 10.00 to 18.00.
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark on the map
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