1. Palaipafos - Kouklia Archaeological Site Paphos
5. ACHAEOLOGICAL SITES - ICON CULTURESPOT Archaeological Sites 5. UNESCO SITES - ICON CULTURESPOT UNESCO World Heritage

Palaipafos - Kouklia Archaeological Site

  • Location

    Kouklia, Paphos

    Directions

  • Tickets

    €4,50
    For organisedgroups consisting of more than 10 persons there is a 20% reduction on the entry fees.
    The Department of Antiquities can issue special entry cards for all its museums and ancient monuments: One (1) day entry cards - €8,50, three (3) day entry cards - €17,00, seven (7) day entry cards - €25,00.

  • Opening Times

    April 16 - September 15, daily: 08:30 - 19:30
    September 16 - April 15, daily: 08:30 - 17:00

    All year round.
    Closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday (Greek Orthodox).

  • Phone

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Note: The CultureSpot team is doing its best to provide the most accurate information through regular updates. However, operating hours, entrance fees and any details thereof are subject to change without prior notice. Visitors are recommended to verify the information before planning their visit.

Palaipafos, known as 'old Pafos' in Greek, is an archaeological site situated in Kouklia Village. It held great significance as one of the most critical city-kingdoms in Cyprus and was recognized as the first Cypriot site to be included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1980.

Two different legends surround the founding of Palaipafos. According to one story, King Agapenor of Tegea (Peloponesus) established the city-kingdom while returning from the Trojan War. Another legend credits Kinyras, the local legendary king of the 12th century, as the founder and first High Priest of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite. This sanctuary, one of the most remarkable structures at the site, served as the most renowned place of worship for the Goddess and dates back to the 12th century BC, continuing its use until the 3rd - 4th centuries AD.

Among the noteworthy monuments at Palaipafos are the House of Leda, the northeast gate of the defensive wall, the city wall, the Palace of Hadji Abdulla, the Church of Panagia Katholiki, the Lusignan Manor House, the cemeteries, and the Lusignan sugar-cane refinery in the coastal plain.

Visitors can explore the museum housed in the Lusignan Manor, which showcases fascinating artifacts from the area and portrays the development of the Cult of the Goddess of Fertility into the Cult of Aphrodite. Additionally, the sugar cane refinery is open for visitors to discover.

Getting there

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