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Paphos Odeon & Lighthouse
Paphos Municipal beach
Byzantine Museum
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
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The apartments are situated 1km (10 minute
walk) from the picturesque fishing harbour of
Paphos, the mosaics and Tombs of the Kings.
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The Blue Flag sandy beaches of Sodap, Mbania
and Alexander are within walking distance (300
metres), and here you will find a wide array of
water sports. A short 200 metres stroll, and you
will find other amenities such as, restaurants,
tavernas, bars, cafes, banks and shops.
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The Paphos 'Go-Kart' racing track, Paint Ball
centre, Crazy Golf and Water Park are about
(2km) a 5 minute drive from the Apollonia
Apartments, and there is a children's amusement
(Luna) park further down the coastal road (6
minute drive).
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A five minute walk will take you to the coastal road
and promenade and "Bar Street", a long street of bars
and clubs.
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A large cosmic bowling centre is a 5 minute
drive away, towards Paphos town.
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There are two cinemas in Paphos, one in the
tourist area and the other in the 'old town'.
Both show films in Greek and English.
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In summer there is a visiting fair, which is
situated a five minute drive away.
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In the summer months 'Ancient Greek Tragedies'
are performed in Greek and English at the
Ancient Odeon, which is situated in the tourist
area.
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Local performers are featured at the Markidion
Theatre, which is located in the 'old town'
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The Aphrodite Festival is
held each year in early September, and includes
several performances of opera, in the castle
square, by world renowned opera companies.
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ACROPOLIS
Temple of Apollo
Paphos Odeon
Near the modern Paphos lighthouse there is s a complex
of ancient buildings, including a Roman Odeon, built
in the 2nd century AD, which has been restored and
is now used for summer orchestral, stage and ballet
performances. The Odeon was the focus of the ancient
city centre, of which some ruins still remain in the
area. Close to the Odeon are the remnants of the
Roman Temple of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, and
south of the lighthouse are the ruins of the ancient
town walls. The
medieval castle, which overlooks Paphos harbour and
is the romantic setting for numerous summer
festivals.
AYIA PARASKEVI CHURCH
Geroskipou village, 3 km east of Paphos.
One of
the most interesting and attractive Byzantine
Churches on the island, dating from the 10th
century, with a vaulted basilica, a nave and two
aisles surmounted by five domes, with later frescoes
dating from the 15th century.
AYIOS NEOPHYTOS MONASTERY
9 km
north of Paphos.
Founded around 1200 by the Cypriot hermit and writer
Neophytos. The Encleistra or Enclosure carved out of
the mountain by the hermit, contains some of the
finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to
15th century. In the Monastery's church there is an
interesting collection of icons and remains of 16th
century frescoes.
AYIA SOLOMONI CATACOMBS
Agios Pavlou Street
A
large pistachio tree marks the entrance to the
underground catacombs of Agia Solomoni in Kato
Paphos. The tree is a strange sight, festooned as it
usually is with pieces of cloth tied onto it by the
faithful as offerings, in the hope that this sacred
tree will cure various ailments. The catacombs
themselves were carved into Fabrica hill, below the
ancient Roman city wall, of the 4th century BC, and
later became chapels for the early Christians. The
underground chapels feature some interesting
frescoes and graffiti left by 13th century
Crusaders, and there are numerous legends and
stories attached to the patron saint Ayia Solomoni.
Visitors are advised to take a torch along to
explore the catacombs.
BATHS OF APHRODITE (Akamas Peninsula)
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48 km
north of Paphos
An
area of breathtaking beauty associated with
Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess
Aphrodite used to bathe in the pool of the nearby
natural grotto, which is shaded by a fig tree. A
trail from the Baths takes you to Fontana Amorosa (8
km from the Baths, at the end of the Akamas
Peninsula). Walking along this trail, one can enjoy
an incomparable view and unspoilt nature (especially
in Spring).
(Source:
www.kypros.org)
BYZANTINE MUSEUM
In the
premises of the Bishopric, an interesting collection
of objects from the Byzantine period can be seen,
including Byzantine icons from the 12th to 18th
century.
CHRYSOROYIATISSA MONASTERY
 40
km north-east of Paphos, turn right before Stroumbi
village. The monastery is also reached from the
Kykkos Monastery via the forest road.
Set in
beautiful surroundings, this monastery, dedicated to
Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate, was originally
founded in the 12th century, but the present
building dates from 1770. The monastery has a
collection of important icons and treasures. An
impressive religious ceremony and celebrations are
held here on 15th August. Recently the old winery of
the monastery was reopened and produces some of the
best vintage wine available in Cyprus.
GEROSKIPOU: The Sacred Garden
Not far from the mythological birthplace of
Aphrodite, lies the Municipality of Geroskipou.
The name comes from the ancient "Hieros Kipos",
or Sacred Garden, dedicated to the goddess. Live
the legend of the goddess at the hilltop spot
where her temple once stood. One of the most
celebrated places in the ancient Greek world for
its association with the cult of Aphrodite.
Let the past come to life in the land where
Aphrodite once roamed and ancient pilgrims came
from far and wide to worship her.
Browse the many roadside stalls selling
handicrafts such as basketry and pottery for
which Geroskipou is known nowadays and visit the
Folk Art Museum for a striking representation of
traditional Cypriot life.
Cyprus Delight is
also made in this village.
Roadside stalls are piled
high with brightly coloured boxes of these
delicious sweets and the owners stand in the
shop doorway and warmly invite you inside to
watch the sweets being made. Cyprus Delights
have been made in the village since 1895 and the
little factories are all family concerns that
have been handed down through the generations.
Each family closely guards their secret recipes!
GEROSKIPOU FOLK ART MUSEUM
Geroskipou village, 3km east of Paphos. Tel:
26240216
Fascinating collection of Cyprus
folk arts and crafts gathered together in the
house known as Hadjismith.
KYKKOS MONASTERY
The Holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos was
founded around the end of the 11th century by
the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos (1081 -
1118). The monastery lies at an altitude of 1318
metres, on the north west face of the Troodos
mountains. There are no remains
of the original monastery as it was burned down
many times. The first president of Cyprus,
Archbishop Makarios II, started his
ecclesiastical career there as a monk in 1926.
He remained fond of the place and returned there
many times. His request to be buried there
materialised after his death in 1977. His tomb
lies 3 km west of Kykkos monastery and remains a
popular visitor destination.
MOSAICS OF PAPHOS
The striking mosaic floors in a
series of ancient Roman noblemen’s
villas, dating from the third to
fifth century AD, are a must-see for
visitors to Paphos. The site where
the villas are, is still being
excavated and can be found about 300
metres from the Paphos harbour. The
mosaics featuring mythological
scenes are visible in the houses of
Dionysus, Orpheus and Aion, and the
Villa of Theseus. All were made of
small cubes of marble and stone,
called tesserae, with glass paste
added to widen the range of colour.
In the House of Dionysus, for
example, 5,985 square feet (556 sq
metres) of floor space in 14 rooms
are covered with the gorgeous
mosaics.
Address:
Kyriakou Nikolaou Street
Telephone: 26
306 217
Opening time:
Daily 8am to 6pm (September to May),
8am to 7.30pm (June to August)
Admission:
€3.40
MUSEUMS
Given
its illustrious history, it is no
surprise that Paphos has a couple of
fantastic museums, although many of
the best artefacts have been whisked
away to Athens. The highlight is the
Paphos Archaeological Museum, which
features hundreds of priceless
artefacts dating from Neolithic
times to the 18th century. Most of
the artefacts here, are finds from
local excavations, although some
come from other archaeological digs
across western Cyprus. One of the
most popular exhibits is a tombstone
from Mario, while the marble statues
of Aphrodite and Asklepios also get
their fair share of admirers.
Address: Dighenis Street
Telephone:
26240215
Next
stop is the enthralling Byzantine
Museum, with plenty of stunning
artworks including rare icons and
other religious artefacts of the
era, collected from churches in and
around Paphos. The highlight of this
museum is the lovely Virgin Eleousa,
an icon from the Monastery of St
Savvas tis Karonos.
Address:
1 Exo Vrisy
Telephone:
26232010
Fascinating insights into the
culture and traditions of the local
Cypriots is afforded by the
acclaimed Ethnographical Museum,
formerly known as the Folk Art
Museum, which is a private
collection of thousands of items
documenting the local archaeology,
history, folk art and literature.
The collection was amassed by Mr
George Eliades and is displayed at
his house on Exo Vrysi street. The
displays are a great primer for
anyone intent on exploring the small
villages that dot the coastline and
mountain regions surrounding Paphos.
Cyprus Museum
Address: Mouseiou 1, Nicosia. Tel:
22865864
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 09
00 - 17 00; Sunday 10 00 - 13
00
Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia
Address: Ippokratus 17, near Laiki
Geitonia , Nicosia. Tel: 22661475
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10
00 - 16 30
Byzantine Museum and Art galleries
Address: Archbishop Makarios 111
Foundation Cultural Centre, with
Archbishopric, Plateia Arch,
Nicosia.
Tel;
22430008
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 09 00
- 16 30; Saturday 09 00 - 13 00.
Largest collection of icons on the
island, covering the period from 9th
to 18th century. The art galleries
contain oil paintings, maps and
lithographs.
Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus
Address: Plateia Arch, Kyprianou,
Nicosia. Tel: 22432578
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 09 00
- 17 00; Saturday 10 00 - 13 00.
(Former Cypriot Folk art Museum).
Founded by the society of Cypriot
Studies. Wide collection of Cypriot
folk art of the 19th and early 20th
century, including wood-carved
objects, tapestry, embroidery,
pottery, national costumes and
hand-woven materials.
National Struggle Museum
Address: Near Archbishopric, Plateia
Arch, Kyprianou, Nicosia. Tel:
22304550
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 08 00
- 14 00 ; 15 00 - 17 00
Documents, photos and other
memorabilia of the 1955 - 1959
National Liberation Struggle.
Cyprus Postal Museum
Address: Agiou Savva St 3B, Nicosia.
Tel: 22304711
Opening hours: Monday - Friday
10 00 - 17 00; Saturday 10 00 - 14
00.
Collection of Cyprus stamps from
1800 onwards. These stamps,
classified internationally among the
best, are of significant value in
world philately.
Cyprus Jeweller's Museum
Address: Praxippou 7-9, Nicosia.
Tel: 22667278
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10 00
- 16 30
a
display of traditional treasury from
the end of the 19th Century,
including ornaments, religious
items, silver utensils and old
tools.
Museum of the history of Cypriot
coinage
Address: Stasinou 51, Agia
Paraskevi, Bank of Cyprus
Headquarters. Tel: 22677135
Opening hours: Monday 09 00- 13 00;
15 30 to 18 00 (no afternoon opening
in July and August); Tuesday to
Friday
09 00 - 13 00.
Permanent exhibition presenting the
development of coinage from the 6th
Century to the present.
OLEASTRO OLIVE PARK
At Oleastro Olive
Park, you can experience the thousands of years
of the cultivation of the olive. Here you can
see the extraction process over the years, a
variety of farming activities related to the
olive trees, professions related to the olive,
the role of the olive and olive oil in the
Cypriot home, and in the Cypriot diet, customs,
traditions, history, mythology and more.
http://www.oleastro.com.cy/park.html
Tel:
99525093,
99565758
PANAYIA CHRYSELEOUSA
3 km north of Paphos, Emba village.
A
12th century church standing in the centre of
the village. A series of icons and two panels
with the 12 Apostles, date from the middle of
the 16th century.
PANAYIA CHRYSOPOLITISSA CHURCH AND BYZANTINE
BASILICA
Kato Paphos
Also known as the church at Saint Paul's
Pillar or Agia Kyriaki it was built in the 13th
century, over the ruins of the largest early
Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the
compound, one can see the so called St. Paul's
Pillar, where according to tradition Saint Paul
was flogged, at some time before the Roman
Governor Sergius Paulus was converted to
Christianity. Excavations are still going on.
PANO PANAYIA
On the west of Troodos
mountain range, 12 km from Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery.
The birthplace of President Makarios. The house,
where he was born, has been turned in a museum.
PAPHOS CASTLE
Kato Paphos
This
ancient fortress was built by the
Byzantines, to guard Paphos harbour
and was restored and strengthened in
the 13th century. The structure was
destroyed by the Venetians in 1570,
but rebuilt once again by the Turks.
Together with the Saranta Kolones
(the ruins of which lay nearby), the
Medieval Castle provided a
formidable obstacle to any sea
invaders and is today, one of the
most iconic symbols of Paphos. The
ramparts offer spectacular views and
the square in front of the castle is
the venue of many traditional
festivals.
PAPHOS ODEON
A
small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of
well-hewn limestone blocks. It was uncovered by
the Cyprus Department of Antiquities in 1973-4
and is now regularly used for musical and
theatrical performances.
PETRA TOU ROMIOU (Birthplace of Aphrodite)
25 km
east of Paphos.
According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and
beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly
beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou
(The Rock of the Greek), is associated with the
legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times,
Dighenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at
bay with amazing strength. It is said that in one
such fight, he heaved a large rock (Petra), at his
enemy.
PEGEIA
Pegeia village, 19 km north-west of Paphos.
Pegeia is perched on a hillside overlooking the
sea, and is known for the fountains in its
picturesque village square, a beautiful
construction with typical arches, where women
used to meet in days gone by, in order to wash
their clothes and fetch water. The village
itself is renowned for its spectacular views,
while the coastline below has one of the best
sandy beaches of the Paphos region, at Coral
Bay, which each year is awarded with a Blue Flag
for its bathing water quality.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea,
Pegeia's cultural treasures will stimulate the
mind.
If
you love culture and history, stop off at the
church of Agios Georgios and admire some superb
examples of Byzantine art in the form of a 6th
century basilica complex with extensive panels
of geometric and animal floor mosaics, rare in
Christian iconography. Or visit Maa-Paleokastro,
the site, on a peninsula near Coral Bay, where
the Mycenaean Greeks first landed in Cyprus
during the Bronze Age.
POLIS
(known in ancient times as Marion)
37 km
north of Paphos
One of
the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus, it became an
important commercial centre in Classical and
Hellenistic times, with close relations to Athens.
Polis, with its excellent climate and beautiful
beaches and scenery, is now developing into a
popular resort.
Polis: Nature at its Best
Experience the meaning of real relaxation in the
Polis tis Chrysochous area, the least developed
coastline of Cyprus. The Akamas National Park
will appeal to nature lovers or those in search
of peace and quiet. It is an area of exceptional
beauty with rocky promontories, sandy coves and
"The Baths of Aphrodite". This is where,
according to mythology, the goddess Aphrodite
frolicked with her lovers, bathing in a
fresh-water grotto shaded by a wild fig tree.
Indulge in a peaceful rural life in harmony with
nature in a region that is one of the best kept
secrets of the Mediterranean.
Visit one of the last Mediterranean nesting
grounds for the green loggerhead turtles, whose
numbers have greatly been increased thanks to a
successful conservation project on the sandy
beaches of Lara. Follow one of the many
beautiful nature trails and spot rare endemic
plants, like the Cyprus orchid, tulip and crocus
that grow there, or watch migrating birds fly by
overhead.
SARANTA KOLONES
Kato Paphos, near the harbour.
This
castle was built in the first years of the rule of
the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) perhaps on
the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was
destroyed in the earthquake of 1222.
TEMPLE OF APHRODITE
Kouklia village, 14 km east of Paphos.
Palaepaphos, Old Paphos, was one of the most
celebrated places of pilgrimage of the ancient Greek
world, and once an ancient city kingdom of Cyprus.
The ruins of the famous Temple of Aphrodite, the
most ancient remains, go back to the 12th century
B.C. The temple was one of the most important places
of cult and pilgrimage of the ancient world, till
the 3rd-4th century A.D. The Museum, housed in the
Lusignan Manor, is small but impressive with many
finds from the area.
THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH
Kato Paphos, facing the harbour.
Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to
tradition, God sent down fog to protect the original
church during the Arab raids. The modern church was
built in 1923.
TOMBS OF THE KINGS
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There are actually no kings buried here. Rather
the site known as the Tombs of the Kings, one mile
(2km) northwest of Paphos harbour towards Coral Bay,
was the final resting place of about 100 Ptolemaic
aristocrats who lived and died in the city between 3
BC and 3 AD. The tombs are impressive, carved out of
solid rock, some featuring Doric pillars and
frescoed walls. Archaeological excavations are still
ongoing at the site, which also features a church
known as Paleoekklisia, which sports traces of
Byzantine frescoes.
Address: 1 mile (2 km)
north-west of Paphos harbour towards Coral Bay, Kato
Paphos
Telephone: 26306295
Transport: Bus 10 or 15 from
Kato Paphos
Opening time: Daily. June to
September, 8.30 am to 7.30 pm; October to May 8 am
to 6 pm.
Admission: €1.70
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* For complete information, videos and photographs
of Cyprus
please visit the following website:
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It's all Greek to me !
Greek Vocabulary
| Good morning |
Kali Mera |
| Good night |
Kali Nichta |
| Hello/Goodbye |
Yiasou |
| Hi |
Yia |
| How are you? |
Ti kanis |
| I would like |
Tha ithela |
| Please |
Parakalo |
| The bill
please |
Ton logariasmo
parakalo |
| Thank you |
Ef haristo |
| Yes |
Ne |
| No |
Ohee |
| OK |
En daksee |
| Today |
Simera |
| Tomorrow |
Avrio |
| What (is) |
Ti (inn eh) |
| Why |
Ya di |
| When (is) |
Po le (inn eh) |
| Good |
Kala |
| Very good |
Poli orr eo |
| Bus/coach |
Leoforion |
| Hotel |
Kse no tho hee o |
| Hospital |
No so komio |
| Taxi |
Taxi |
| Police |
Asti nomia |
| Chemist |
To farma keeo |
| Toilets |
Tou alleia |
| Restaurant |
Estiatorio |
| Tea |
Tsai |
| Coffee |
Kafe |
| Sugar |
Za hari |
| Milk |
Gala |
| Water |
Neroi |
| Orange juice |
Porto kalatha |
| Beer |
Beer a |
| Red wine |
Kokkino krass ee |
| White wine |
Aspro krass ee |
| Bottle |
Boukali |
| Glass |
Potire |
| Cheers |
Ya mas |
| Another one |
A koma ena |
| One
|
Ena |
| Two |
Thee o |
| Three |
Dree ah |
| Four
|
Tess era |
| Five |
Ben deh |
| Six |
Ex ee |
| Seven |
Ef ta |
| Eight |
Octo |
| Nine |
Enn ya |
| Ten |
Th ekka |
Please
click on the photos to enlarge
Secret Valley golf course
Aphrodite water park
Funbuggy safari
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Paphos
Castle |
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Paphos Mosaics
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Paphos beach |
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Saranta Colones
Castle
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Aphrodite's
Birthplace |
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Agia Paraskeyi
Church
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Theoskepasti Church - Kato Paphos |
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Tombs of the Kings |
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Find information and links about places to
visit museums, government departments, Golf
courses, water parks, bird parks, diving
centres and schools, coastline cruises,
funbuggy, quad safaris, limousines, car
rental services and much, more... |
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