Where to take a walk in Paphos in the evening. Walking tour of the sights of Paphos. Excursions in Paphos

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This is the most complete guide for those who choose Paphos as their holiday destination. This will help you explore even the most unusual places in the city, allowing you to explore Paphos like the locals do.

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In just a few years, Paphos has transformed from a quiet town into a large, fashionable resort, rich in attractions and attracting guests. amazing nature. The resort is open to visitors all year round, the sea here is always warm and the weather is sunny and calm.

You should start exploring the city by visiting historical and cultural monuments, one of which is the Pafos Medieval Fort castle. It was built during the time of Alexander the Great and served as the main fortification structure. Among the attractions there are also those that were included in the UNESCO list; these should be included first of all Ancient city Nope Paphos. On the territory of the ancient town, buildings of the Romans have been preserved, which were decorated with beautiful mosaics. Here today you can see scenes from famous myths laid out on the floor and walls of colored pebbles.

You should definitely take part in a tour of one of the ancient necropolises, called the Tomb of the Kings. Burials were carried out here back in the 3rd century BC. One of the most visited cultural institutions is the Byzantine Museum, here you can see a wonderful collection of icons painted in the 12th - 18th centuries. Ethnographical museum Eliadisa will introduce you to everyday life local residents, many exhibits date back to the Neolithic era. The priceless finds of archaeologists can be found in Archaeological Museum Paphos, there are collections of tools, dishes and ceramics. Copyright www.site

One of the famous shrines is the Monastery of St. Neophytos, which was carved into one of the rocks. The inside of the monastery is decorated with frescoes that were painted by craftsmen back in the 15th century. After visiting all the sights, you can stroll along the embankment, visit restaurants and cafes, or go to one of the markets, of which there are many in the city.

Paphos is famous for its ancient sights, an excellent example is the Villa of Dionysus. This is the name of the ruins of a unique ancient mansion, which was built back in the 2nd century and belonged to one of the wealthy Roman aristocrats. The ancient villa owes its name to the fact that during the years of its existence it was decorated with skillful mosaics depicting Dionysus; modern archaeologists managed to restore some works of art.

An unusual attraction is the catacombs of St. Solomonia - another unique archaeological site. They were created back in the 4th century BC; according to scientists, these catacombs were originally used as tombs. It is known that at the end of the 2nd century, Saint Solomonia hid from persecution for a long time in the dungeons, and was forced to flee Palestine. According to one of the legends, the saint’s relics were buried in one of the hidden places of the dungeon.

Fans of excursions should definitely visit the Chrysoroyatissa Monastery. It was founded in the 12th century and is located near the city. Over hundreds of years of existence monastery It was rebuilt several times and acquired its current appearance at the end of the 18th century. Within the walls of the monastery there is stored a lot valuable relics, including the ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, with which many incredible stories are associated.

Nature lovers will also be in for a pleasant surprise during their holiday; they will be able to visit the charming Eleouthkia Botanical Garden. Compared to many other famous botanical gardens world, it is very small. However, in a compact area it was possible to place dozens of species of tropical flowers, cacti, conifers and roses, as well as other incredible plants that can surprise with their appearance. There is a cozy tavern in the garden, where you will be pleasant to relax after the excursion.

However, a series of New Year's holidays, and with them - the author’s new journey. But still, before you start writing notes about it, it’s worth completing our series of posts about our big autumn trip to Cyprus. So that later, with peace of mind...

Today you and I, dear and respected, will commit long walk around the city of Paphos. It was the last day of the Cypriot vacation, all the planned distant locations had been visited, and it was time for leisurely walks without any specific attractions. But still, this is Paphos: the attractions there will find the walkers themselves!

1. The weather SUDDENLY decided in the morning that since it’s the end of October, it’s time to turn on autumn. Clouds rolled in, pouring rain every now and then, and a strong wind howled under the roofs. But the author and Muniz did not give in to the desire to sit at home, but went for a walk. At the same time, too lazy to carry umbrellas. They say, we will launch a psychic attack on this rain of yours, and it will not happen!

Having risen to the center by bus from the Gavan station, we will begin our walk from the Karavella bus station. Contrary to its sonorous name, Caravel is a small parking lot for buses and a shed for the dispatcher, so there is nothing to photograph there. After drinking a frappe in one of the coffee shops, we walk through the center. The center of Paphos has undergone major reconstruction, and in some places it is just beginning.

2. Here and there you come across artistic graffiti, inscribed in the appearance of the reconstructed center. And no utility workers cover it up with ugly gray paint, which is good news!

3. Renovated square at the city hall.

4. One of the streets was made pedestrian to the delight of tourists.

5. The police and town hall (or city hall?) are located in cozy Cypriot houses.

6. Graffiti fascinates with the multidimensionality of the design.

7. Near the noose of office work, donkey parking is paid at the parking meter.

8. An astronaut, a high-molecular compound and a space hummingbird.

9. Tavern in a native Cypriot building.

10. Taverns. Thousands of them!

11. National architecture surrounded by faceless concrete boxes.

12. Temple of Agios Kendeas.

13. Byzantine architecture.

14. We return to Arbat through alleys with picturesque houses.

15. "Arbat" leads straight to the restored market. The author found a time when there really was a vegetable and fruit market there. But times have changed - now there tourist place with taverns and souvenir trade.

16. As you get closer to the market, there are more and more people.

17. The shackles of the Global Web.

18. We are moving towards the market.

19. We are greeted by a flying donkey.

20. New attraction: plant wall.

22. The final stop of bus 610. If in past years there were at most 5 people traveling on it, now a landing party in the form of a full bus lands on the market. And 610 became as full as 615 to Coral Bay Beach.
But first of all, everyone runs to take a photo on the observation deck.

23. Building of a new market.

24. Inside the market there is a courtyard with flower beds. All around there is a crowd of sellers of souvenirs and clothing.

25. Behind the market begins the Turkish district of Paphos. The author does not know how many Turkish Cypriots remained there after 1974, but the Turkish street names have been preserved. However, in the Mutallos mosque SUDDENLY there appeared... A synagogue!

26. Let's take a closer look at the mosque-synagogue. The yard is closed, we look through the fence.

27. The mosque, or rather its minaret, is being restored with the help of the UN.

29. We are moving through the Turkish quarter. This building was clearly abandoned by the Turkish Cypriots.

30. The streets are all narrower.

31. Rows of potted plants crown the fence.

32. Streets of the Turkish quarter. We are moving along Namik Kemal Street.

33. There is a small park on the square.

34. The minaret of the mosque-synagogue rises above what looks like toy houses.

35. We approach the observation deck.

36. From here you can see the Paphos Archaeological Park and the hotels along the Street of the Royal Tombs.

37. Panorama of Paphos. Far below by the sea is the Kato Paphos area, where the author loves to settle on vacation.

38. It’s time to set up a telephoto camera and photograph different parts of the wide-spread Paphos. Lighthouse in the Archaeological Park.

39. A large cathedral not far from the author’s place of residence.

40. A minaret, slightly reminiscent of a rocket ready for launch.

41. Entrance to the stadium.

43. The surrounding cliffs are decorated with hieroglyphic installations. Panorama of the street of the Royal Tombs.

44. The cliffs are equipped with a playground. Not a soul was around, only the wind grew so strong that it began to roll a cola can up the hill.

45. A strange structure, everything is tightly locked.

There are many attractions to visit and see in Paphos. It’s better to do this on your own in order to truly enjoy the beauty of Cyprus without spending money on excursions.

Archaeological Park (Kato Pafos Archaeological Park)

One of the main attractions of Paphos. The park is a must-see for all lovers of antiquities. The archaeological park is protected by UNESCO and is remarkable for its mosaics, which date back to the 2nd-5th centuries. n. e. Some of them are under open air, and some - in special rooms. In addition to the famous mosaics, in the park you can admire the ruins of the Saranda Kolones castle, the Agora, Odeon, Asklepion and other antiquities.

IN archaeological park very atmospheric, especially if you come to opening or closing, when there are no tourists and it’s not so hot. The main entrance to the park is located near the port, and there is parking nearby. The ticket price is 4.5 euros, and it takes an average of 2-3 hours to explore the park.

Necessarily Wear a hat and comfortable shoes, and bring water and sunscreen. Park map and free toilet there is one at the entrance, and behind the exhibition pavilion where guides and other printed materials are sold, you can get water if you take a container first, because drinking water on the embankment is expensive - 1.5 euros for 0.5 liters. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (June-August).

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(Photo © xlibber / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)

Tombs of the Kings

The Tombs of the Kings is perhaps a more atmospheric place than the park, as it attracts fewer tourists, so if you are wondering what to see in Paphos on your own, feel free to go there. It is noteworthy that there are no tombs of kings here - in fact, nobles were buried here (from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD).

In the necropolis there is room for fantasy to run wild: the impressive size of the rock with the gaping black mouths of the graves inside involuntarily evokes thoughts of disturbed souls. Finding yourself in a tomb alone with the lingering blackness of the graves and feeling the characteristic damp smell, you feel a chill of fear creeping down your back.

Get to the tombs You can take bus number 615, which goes from the port to Coral Bay. From the stop there is a road straight to the entrance. The cost of a ticket to the Royal Tombs is 2.5 euros. At the entrance there is a stand with a map. Opening hours: from 8:30 to 18:30.

(Photo © Glen Bowman / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Aphrodite's Rock / Petra-tou-Romiou

Aphrodite's Stone, or Petra tou Romiou, is a popular tourist destination that is one of those attractions that are worth seeing in Paphos on your own. There are many beliefs associated with the Aphrodite Stone: if you find a heart-shaped pebble on the beach, you will be in love; if you circle the Aphrodite Stone three times counterclockwise, you will be in love. Eternal youth and beauty. The main thing is not to confuse the rocks - the Aphrodite stone looks somewhat unpresentable compared to others: it is a black semicircular stone in the sea.

Be careful: Despite the popularity of the beach, it is not safe to swim here - often strong waves hit the rocks, and the water is very cold. The beach consists of large pebbles, so the sea is clear, but the breaking waves raise pebbles, which injure the feet of swimmers. Also hidden at the bottom are large stones that pose a danger. We witnessed how an adult was thrown on the waves like a child. A wave can also blow away your phone or camera if you decide to go into the water with it in search of a good angle.

The place is really charming, despite the crowds of tourists who come here mainly in excursion tours. So try to arrive early- the first bus No. 631 from Harbor station leaves at 7:25. The advantage of early flights is also that it will not be so hot (there are practically no places on the beach where you can hide from the scorching sun).

Some tourists, getting off at the final stop, try to cross the road. However, to get to the beach, you need to go through an underground passage, next to which there is a small restaurant and part-time souvenir shop. There is also a free toilet and paid showers (1-2 euros).

Baths of Aphrodite

Aphrodite's Bath is a shady grotto with a small pond and stream. They say that whoever swims here will be forever young. However, swimming here is strictly prohibited, and drinking the water is also prohibited. Many tourists specially take containers with them and fill them with water from the bathhouse.

Like Petra tou Romiou, the Baths of Aphrodite is one of those attractions that are worth seeing in Paphos on your own. We recommend arriving here early to enjoy the privacy and coolness of the grotto of the goddess of love, as tourist groups greatly spoil the impression of the Baths of Aphrodite. In general, we did not experience much delight from visiting the bathhouse.

How to get there: from Karavella station by bus number 645 to the city of Polis (Polis Chrysochous - Chrysochou - Goudi - Choli - Skoulli - Giolou - Stroumbi - Tsada - Paphos). There you need to change to bus number 622 (Polis Chrysochous - Prodromi - Latchi - Baths of Aphrodite), and from the final stop follow the path to the bathhouse.

Early Christian basilica (Church of Agia Kyriaki)

Agia Kyriaki is also known as Panagia Chrysopolitissa. The church was partially built on the ruins of an early Christian basilica built in the 4th century. n. e. The territory is under UNESCO protection. You can enter the church freely, but you will only have to admire the columns and mosaics from specially erected platforms.

(Photo © site)

Not far from Agia Kyriaki there is the famous St. Paul's Column. According to legend, when Saint Paul arrived in Cyprus in 45 AD. e. In order to preach Christianity, he was tied to this column and given 39 lashes.

Facing the Church of Agia Kyriaki, on the left are the Frankish Baths, which were built during the Lusignan period and were used as public baths. Nowadays it is impossible to get inside the buildings.

The entire complex can be visited completely free of charge; it is officially open from 8:00 to 19:00 (in fact it closes a couple of hours earlier).

How to get there: from the bus station up Apostolou Pavlou Avenue, from there take Stasandrou or Pafias Afroditis, they will lead you straight to Agia Kyriaki.

Fabrica Hill

Fabrica Hill - complex underground caves and chambers carved into the rock in the 3rd century. BC e., the purpose of which is unknown. It is very interesting to explore the caves: a minute ago you were on a noisy avenue, and now you are in mysterious and dark chambers!

The Catacombs of Saint Solomonia is a burial complex that was a refuge for Christians subjected to Roman persecution. The catacombs are open to visits at any time.

How to get there: from the port by bus No. 603-606-611-612-615 along Apostle Paul Avenue. Fabrica Hill is located diagonally from Kings Mall Avenue. If you walk through the entire complex from above, you can come out to the Roman amphitheater, which, unfortunately, is fenced off. Walking along the street along the amphitheater, you will come to Agia Kyriaki.

Medieval fort of Paphos

Paphos Castle, as it is also called, is considered one of the main attractions of Paphos. The fort was originally a Byzantine fortress, which was destroyed by an earthquake. In the 13th century the castle was restored by the Lusignans. During the Turkish capture, the fort was dismantled by the Venetians and later restored and fortified by the Ottomans.

Finding the fortress is easy - it is located near the port, not far from the entrance to archaeological park. You can see it from afar, you definitely won’t miss it. Entry fee is 2.5 euros. We haven’t been inside, but judging by the reviews of tourists, there is nothing particularly interesting there. An excellent view of the fort opens from the archaeological park.

Crystal clear air, sparkling beaches and comfortable hotels make Cyprus a wonderful holiday destination. Modern Cyprus combines European culture and identity, based on centuries-old traditions, and any traveler will be able to find here exactly the experiences that they are looking for. Each resort on the island has its own unique style, for example, Ayia Napa is youthful, Protaras is calm and romantic, and Paphos attracts with its ancient charm. Lovers of antiquity should turn their attention to Paphos: there are plenty of picturesque ruins and ancient buildings here.

All the main attractions are located near the port and can be seen while walking around the area. You can start your walk by visiting the Roman villas near the port. Archaeologists have found the ruins of five buildings here, four of them are open to the public: the houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Hercules (Orpheus) and Aion. Time has spared the magnificent floor and wall mosaics of the 2nd–4th centuries AD. e., adorning these ancient buildings.

The villas received their modern names in accordance with the subjects of their most significant mosaics. For example, the mosaic in the main hall of the Villa of Dionysus glorifies him, the god of wine and harvest. Most of the mosaics in all the other villas also depict Greek gods, goddesses and hunting scenes. Scientists have found that in the 4th century AD. e. the buildings were destroyed by the earthquake and abandoned. The miraculously preserved mosaics were discovered in the last century and have become an object of study for historians, as well as one of the most popular attractions in Paphos.

Not far from the Villa of Dionysus is the Odeon Amphitheater. Despite its considerable age and earthquakes, the structure is well preserved. The capacity of the amphitheater is 1200 people, and in ancient times it reached several thousand. Nowadays, the ancient theater has turned out to be great place for holding various cultural events.

In ancient times, the Temple of Asclepius adjoined the theater building from the west. The ruins uncovered by excavations give an idea of what this structure looked like: The Asklepion was built in the form of terraces located one above the other, surrounded by a spacious courtyard. The sanctuary of the god of healing was located at the top of the building, in the main temple. It is known that in the ancient Asklepion they not only worshiped the gods, but also treated people.

One of the most picturesque attractions of Paphos is Saranda Kolones - the ruins of an ancient fort near the Odeon. Massive foundations, columns and two graceful arches are all that remains of the powerful Byzantine bastion built in the 7th century, but from them one can judge the former greatness of the structure. A few hundred meters south of the ruins is the famous Paphos Castle. Founded in the 13th century, it was intended to protect the port and replaced Saranda Colones. The massive fortification that now stands on the shore was built in the 16th century by the Ottomans on the site of an earlier fortress. The castle once had fortifications and guns on the roof, and today tourists climb it to admire the views of the city and the sea.
The oldest site in Paphos is the catacombs of Agia Solomonia and Agios Lambrianos. According to research, they were dug in the 4th century BC. e. under the city wall and was originally used for burials, and from the end of the 2nd century the first Christians settled in the tunnels. They created an amazing underground church here, the frescoes of which attract many tourists. This unusual temple received its name in honor of the holy great martyr Solomonia, whose relics rest in the underground temple.

A little east of the catacombs stands the church of Agia Kyriaki (Panagia Chrysopolitsa), one of the oldest religious sites in Paphos. The date of the first religious building here is unknown. Research has shown that on the site of the church built by the Crusaders in the 4th century there was already an ancient basilica, its legacy is the magnificent floor mosaic that can be seen today. The modern church building dates back to the 16th century and is located above the north-eastern aisle of the ancient basilica. A legend is associated with this place, according to which the Apostle Paul was beaten with whips near the church. Nearby you can see the remains of the marble column to which it was tied.

On the outskirts of Paphos there is an ancient necropolis consisting of more than a hundred burials. The tombs are buried in the ground and resemble palaces with courtyards and colonnades. Even in a dilapidated state, these buildings are real masterpieces of architecture, which is why they received the name of the Royal Tombs, although not kings, but representatives of the nobility are buried here.
In addition to the listed attractions, Paphos also has many ancient castles, museums and archaeological parks. Ancient walls, columns and mosaics can be viewed endlessly. The city, which in ancient times was the capital of all Cyprus, has lost some of its grandeur, but has not lost a drop of charm.

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