Information on Paphos, birthplace of Aphrodite Paphos is one of the most beautiful and ancient towns of Cyprus. Wherever one treads in Pafos he comes across its glorious history which dates back thousands of years,when the cult of goddess Aphrodite who emerged from its seas, flourished in this beautiful part of the world attracting many visitors from the inland and abroad. Today it is a small harbour town, but in Hellenistic and Roman times it was the Capital of Cyprus. Still under the spell of her Beauty-Goddess, the area retaining her magic, has remained impact by time. It seduces its visitor with its majestic landscape, lovely coastline, historical treasures and delightful villages where tradition is still a way of life. Kept in harmony with nature are divine mediaeval monasteries which lie peacefully in the Paphos heartland. Aphrodite Places of interest in and around Paphos  TOMBS OF THE KINGS Spread over a vast area, these impressive underground tombs date back to the 4th century BC. They are carved out of solid rock with some being decorated with Doric Pillars. High officials rather than Kings were buried here, but the magnificence of the tomps gave the locality its name. LEMPA LEMPA 5 kilometers from Paphos. Lempa village can be singled out as one with historic significance. In its pretty setting near the sea, Lempa's link with prehistory is the site of a chalcolithic settlement.Today the faithful reconstruction of several dwellings, gives an insight into chalcolithic life on the island. Near the site replicas of two houses from this period have been constructed. PETRA TOU ROMIOU Birthplace of Aphrodite, 25km from Paphos. According to legend, Aphrodite mythological goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Baths of Aphrodite at Polis and the "Fontana Amorosa" - Fountain of Love - also echo her apparent penchant for the island. At Kouklia lie the remains of the Goddess's earliest Sanctuary. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou" THE ROCK OF THE GREEK" is associated with the legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times Digenis Akritas who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said that he heaved this large rock into the sea destroying the enemy's ship. PAFOS MEDIEVAL FORT Kato Paphos harbour. Originally a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbour, it was rebuild by the Lusignans in the 13th century, dismantled by the Ottomans after they captured the island in the 16th century. CHURCHES Another 'first' for Paphos was its early recognition of Christianity. While under Roman rule in 45 A.D., it was here that Saint Paul converted the first ruler to the faith. Churches to Visit (not wedding venues) Agia Solomoni Church Kato Paphos, Leophoros Agiou Pavlou Panagia Limeniotissa Basilica Kato Paphos, near the Harbour Panagia Chrysospiliotissa & Byzantine Basilica Kato Paphos Theoskepasti Church Kato Paphos Agia Paraskevi Church Geroskipou Village, 3km east of Paphos Panagia Chryseleousa 3km north of Paphos, Empa village Agios Neofytos Monastery 9km north of Paphos Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery 40km north of Paphos Pano Panagia west of Troodos, 1.5km from Chrysorrogiatissa Click "Back" on your browser to return to previous page