Aphrodite’s realm
In antiquity Pafos was the centre of the cult of Aphrodite. Swim in the sea by the rocks known as Petra tou Romiou where the goddess was believed to
have risen from the waves, make a pilgrimage to her sanctuary at Kouklia, or visit the grotto near Polis
where she was supposed to have bathed.
Pafos, with its pleasant harbour and medieval fort,
combines a cosmopolitan holiday resort, spectacular countryside and historical sites. It was the capital of Cyprus for 600 years in ancient times and its archaeological legacy is such that UNESCO put the whole town on its World Cultural Heritage List. The intricate floor mosaics in villas dating back to the Roman period depicting scenes from Greek
mythology are considered among the finest in the
Eastern Mediterranean. Equally impressive are the
underground Tombs of the Kings carved out of solid
rock and decorated with Doric pillars. The museum
at Maa-Paleokastro near Coral Bay has an interesting
collection of artefacts from the period of Mycenean
Greek colonisation of Cyprus.
Byzantine treasures abound, such as the remarkable
five-domed church of Agia Paraskevi in Geroskipou,
or the ruins of two early Christian basilicas at Agios
Georgios in Pegeia.
The Monastery of Agios Neofytos has wonderfully
colourful frescoes painted on the walls in a cave that
the hermit carved out of the mountain.
Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery is worth visiting for its
fine icons and a taste of the locally produced vintage
wine from its own winery.
If peace and quiet in harmony with nature are what
you are after, head for the Polis area. The Akamas
peninsula is an area of natural wilderness with
dramatic coastlines and sandy coves. Here you can
explore the various picturesque villages, walk along
one of the many scenic nature trails or take a boat trip along the dramatic coastline that all form part of
Aphrodite’s playground.
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