Kato Paphos, Paphos
Directions€4,50
For organised groups 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.
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).
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.
The Paphos Mosaics are renowned as some of the finest in the eastern Mediterranean and are an integral part of the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, which has held a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980. Their discovery in 1962 was accidental when a farmer plowing his field stumbled upon one of these exceptional mosaics.
Dating back to the 2nd to 5th centuries AD, the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion, and Orpheus were once the residences of Roman noblemen. These houses boast intricate floor mosaics that vividly portray captivating scenes from Greek Mythology.
Within the House of Dionysos, covering an area of 556 square meters, the floor mosaics exhibit a captivating array of mythological, vintage, and hunting scenes. At the entrance, a Hellenistic pebble mosaic depicts the mythical sea monster Scylla.
The House of Theseus takes its name from the oldest mosaic within its walls, which showcases the heroic Ancient Greek figure brandishing a club to confront the Minotaur. Other mosaics in the house portray Poseidon and Amphitrite, as well as Achilles' first bath.
In the House of Orpheus, the floor mosaics feature captivating depictions of Orpheus among various beasts, along with two panels representing Hercules and the Lion of Nemea, and an Amazon with her horse.
The House of Aion hosts the most striking mosaic, comprised of five figural panels portraying scenes such as the birth of Dionysos, Leda and the Swan, the beauty contest between Cassiopeia and the Nereids, Apollon and Marsyas, and the Triumph of Dionysos.
Additionally, the Archaeological Park includes other fascinating sites and monuments dating from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, such as the Asklepieion, the Odeon, the Agora, the Saranta Kolones (Forty Columns) Castle, and the Limeniotissa ruins of an Early Christian Basilica.
Situated on the left bank of the river Pediaios, in the region that now encompasses the villages of Politiko, Pera, and Episkopio, stands a vast archaeological site with remarkable discoveries. Among the findings are the temple of Aphrodite, two grand royal tombs, and several smaller burial sites.
In the Dali Village area of Cyprus lies the significant archaeological site of Idalion, renowned for its abundant discoveries displayed in prestigious museums worldwide. The origins of this ancient city are attributed to Chalcanor, an Achaean hero from the Trojan War and a descendant of Teucer, the founder of Salamis.
Amathous, an important ancient city-kingdom in Cyprus, holds mythological significance as it was where the Greek hero Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne in the care of local women. The city was also a significant center for worshipping the Goddess Aphrodite-Astarte. The archaeological site of Amathous boasts a wealth of historical discoveries. Among them are the Agora, the public baths, the Temple of Aphrodite, early Christian basilicas, and several tombs.
Kourion, one of the island's most significant city-kingdoms in ancient times, boasts remarkable archaeological remains that have been extensively excavated. These findings can be explored at the site. Built atop hills, the city-kingdom of Kourion commanded a view of the fertile valley of the river Kouris. Archaeological evidence suggests a connection between Kourion and the Greek legend of Argos of Peloponnese, with its inhabitants believing they were descendants of Argean immigrants.
Kolossi castle stands as a splendid illustration of military architecture, originally constructed in the 13th century and later rebuilt in its current form during the 15th century. Following the fall of Acre in 1291, it assumed the role of the Grand Commandery for the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.