Paphos Tourist Attractions

Near the harbor of Paphos are the excellently preserved mosaic pavements of the Villa of Dionysos, among the finest in the Mediterranean area.

Above the harbor stands a Turkish fort (1592) built on the site of an earlier medieval castle.This is a Byzantine fort built to protect the harbor. Rebuilt by the Lusignans, it was dismantled by the Venetians and rebuilt by the Ottomans.There are also ruins of another fort on the breakwater, but these consist only of two lumps of rock.

The early Christian Basilica was built in the fifth century. It lies in ruins now but its ground plan can be made out. It had three aisles divided by rows of columns and the floor was covered in mosaics. The site is locked up and visitors will have to peer through the fence.

Just inside the city wall of Ktima are some underground chambers cut out of the rock called Garrison's Camp. They resemble other chambers found at nearby sites and could have been cut in the fourth century B.C. The northern and western sides have been excavated and were possibly the living quarters of the soldiers. The site runs off a long corridor with chambers to the east and north. It was probably some sanctuary to a pagan deity but there is no definitive evidence of this and there was also a Christian basilica in the forecourt which is still being excavated.

At the end of Apostolou Pavlou Avenue is Fabrica Hill. This is a rocky mound where there are chambers cut out of the rock, but it is unclear what they were used for. They had vaulted roofs and possibly painted walls. Just east of here is a large theater, which has not been excavated, but there is a good view from the hill to the town and sea below. An inscription in the area suggests that it was built in 3 B.C.

Near Agora Street is the Paphos Market. It is a colorful, lively place where villagers bring their produce to sell. It is open only in the morning.

This second century Odeon is built of limestone. It is now used in the summer for music and theater performances. The theater has been partly restored after excavation. It is a semicircle with a stage and 12 rows of seats.Nearby are the remains of ancient city walls and the Roman Agora. The Agora, a large court (1,000sq.ft/95sq.m) used as a market place, stands in front of the Odeon. Only the foundations and parts of the columns are visible. It probably dates from the second century.Next to the Odeon there is a modern lighthouse and a rocky mound believed to have been the Acropolis of the town. There was once a temple here but little of this has survived.South of the Odeon is a collection of buildings which served as an Asklepion (shrine of the god of healing, Asklepeios).

The columns were built by the Lusignans in the 13th century on the site of a previous Byzantine castle.The castle was probably built in the seventh century as protection against Arab raiders. It had an outer wall which was some three meters thick and a moat. The square keep was built around a courtyard and had substantial towers at each corner. Entry was through a fifth gate tower on the east side.Although the building is in ruins, there are many fragments of towers and dungeons to explore, but all are unprotected and those with small children should be careful on the higher parts of the ruins.

Outside the town of Paphos are the so-called Tombs of the Kings, rock-cut tomb chambers with architectural embellishments.These impressive underground tombs date to the fourth century B.C. They are carved out of solid rock, some decorated with Doric pillars. The magnificence of the tombs gives the locality its name.

The Paphos Aquarium has a spectacular collection of colorful sea and freshwater fish from around the world. There are 72 spacious, environmentally-friendly tanks, including one for crocodiles.Specially designed lighting enables you to study the intriguing markings and beautiful colors of the different fish and to watch them in their different habitats.

Aphrodite Water Park is home to the world's largest family rafting ride, Free Fall which is a vertical slide, and a small water play area for children.