Few countries can compare with the authentic natural beauty of Cyprus. Coasts with crystal clear waters and golden beaches. Green beauty and mountain villages with lush vegetation covering the mountain peaks and valleys. If you go again in winter, then you will encounter a completely different image and maybe places dressed in white. What also stands out in Cyprus is its archaeological treasures. One of them is the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos.
The history of the Park that looks like an open air museum
The Paphos Archaeological Park in Cyprus is one of the most important archaeological sites in the island and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980.
Nikoklis, the last king of Palaepafos, moved the city from its previous location to its current location near the port, at the end of the 4th century BC. Between the 2nd century BC and the 4th century AD, Paphos was the capital of Cyprus.
The Archaeological Park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, while most ruins date back to the Roman Period. The complex includes important monuments, such as Asclepiion, the Conservatory, the Agora, the ruins of the Castle with the Forty Columns. There you will also see the ruins of Limeniotissa (an Early Christian Basilica) and the Tombs of the Kings. The ornate mosaic floors of the four Roman villas (the houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Century and Orpheus) are the impressive focus of the findings and depict scenes from Greek mythology.
Arriving essentially at Paphos Archaeological Park you must be prepared for a journey through the history of Cyprus. It’s a real open air museum. A large area with sights and monuments from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. The experience is very special compared to any other museums you’ve ever enqountered before.
Address: Kato Paphos, Cyprus
Tel. Contact: Tel: +357 26 306 217
Operation Period: All year-round.
Entrance price: €4.50. For the Tombs of the Kings, there is an additional charge of €2.50.
External photography source: www.visitcyprus.com
Cyprus: An ideal escape from Athens for the weekend
Frequently Asked Questions
Paphos Archaeological Park is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus, located in Kato Paphos. It is an open-air museum that has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980. The park contains monuments and ruins spanning from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, with most structures dating from the Roman Period.
The Archaeological Park features several important monuments including the Asclepiion, the Conservatory, the Agora, castle ruins with the Forty Columns, and the Early Christian Basilica of Limeniotissa. The most impressive highlights are the Tombs of the Kings and four Roman villas (houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Century, and Orpheus) with ornate mosaic floors depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
King Nikoklis, the last king of Palaepafos, moved the city to its current location near the port at the end of the 4th century BC. Between the 2nd century BC and the 4th century AD, Paphos served as the capital of Cyprus, making it a historically significant location with layers of cultural heritage.
Paphos Archaeological Park operates all year-round. The entrance price is €4.50 for general admission. There is an additional charge of €2.50 for visiting the Tombs of the Kings. For more information, you can contact the park at Tel: +357 26 306 217.
Paphos Archaeological Park is considered an open-air museum because it is a large outdoor area featuring multiple archaeological sites and monuments spanning from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Visitors can experience an immersive journey through Cyprus's history while exploring well-preserved ruins, villas with intricate mosaics, and ancient structures in their original settings, providing a unique experience compared to traditional enclosed museums.
