Paphos, Cyprus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Old and New Paphos. It is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite and was inhabited since the Neolithic period. The city has a number of historic sites, including the Paphos Archaeological Park, Roman villas, and the Tombs of the Kings. The city can be reached by irregular flights or by driving from Limassol, and the site is small enough to explore on foot.
Paphos is a city in southwestern Cyprus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been since 1980. The term can refer to Old Paphos or New Paphos. The city of New Paphos is currently inhabited, with a population of around 50,000, while Old Paphos is an important archaeological site.
The site is most famous as the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. It is said that after Aphrodite came up from the sea, she set foot on dry land for the first time. There is historical evidence that she was worshiped there from at least the time of Homer, as she is mentioned by her name, along with Paphos, in the Odyssey.
Even the name of the city derives from a myth linked to Aphrodite. Pygmalion, this mythical ivory worker, is said to have carved a statue of his perfect wife, Galatea. Aphrodite then gave birth to the statue and Galatea bore a child Pygmalion, named Paphos. His son, Cinyras, is said to have founded the city that bears his father’s name, in honor of the goddess who made her birth possible, by erecting a magnificent temple dedicated to her worship.
Historically, the region has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic period. A number of pre-Hellenic fertility goddesses were worshiped there before Aphrodite was imported, in the 12th century BC
The priests who ruled the area were known as the descendants of Cinyras, or Cinyradae, and used Hellenistic ways, although they were of Phoenician origin. Paphos was a central location in much of the known world at the time, as Aphrodite was an important goddess throughout the Aegean.
Although the mighty temple of Aphrodite has since been destroyed, remnants still remain. A modern architect has also attempted to rebuild the temple, working from depictions of the temple on coins of the time as well as models of other temples of the time.
The city worshiped continuously for years until Christianity finally made its way into the city. It is mentioned by name in the Acts of the Apostles, and Paul is said to have converted the city’s ruler, Sergius Paulus, to Christianity.
There are a number of sites in the region that are worth visiting. Paphos Archaeological Park contains two beautiful Roman villas, now in ruins, the House of Theseus and the House of Dionysus. These villas are adorned with beautifully preserved mosaics, which many people find the main attraction of the site. The Odeon, a classical Greek theatre, has recently been restored and there are regular shows, which can be a wonderful experience after a day in the park. The Tombs of the Kings, while not actually tombs for kings, are nonetheless beautiful decadent tombs, giving an insight into 4th-century burial practices.
An airport has irregular service connecting the city to the outside world and is used primarily for travel purchased as part of a charter package. People can also drive to the city from Limassol and taxis run regularly. The site itself is quite small and can be explored on foot.
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