C u l t u r e & A r c h a e o l o g y

Pafos Chamber of Commerce & Industry Pafos Tourism Committee, P.O.Box 60082, 8100 Pafos, Cyprus, Tel:+357 26935115, Fax:+357 26944602

Email:info@visitpafos.org.cy, Web site:www.visitpafos.org.cy

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Scratch the soil anywhere in Cyprus and you will find remnants of theisland’s turbulent history, testimony that its strategic position was coveted by every great power. Admire the spectacular scenery at the

mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Explore thearea’s unique archaeological legacy at Marion or Palaipafos, both ancient city-kingdoms in the Iron Age.

Once a Roman provincial capital, Pafos played a crucial role in the Empire.Admire the exquisite floor mosaics of the Roman villas depicting scenes frommythology, arguably the best in the eastern Mediterranean and the impressiveunderground Tombs of the Kings nearby, carved out of solid rock and decorated with Doric pillars.

In addition to the wealth of outdoor sites, tour the priceless collection of artefacts displayed in the Pafos District Archaeological Museum where you can see objects spanning the history of one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean, including pottery, coins, tombstones and statues.

P a f o s F o r T h e C u l t u r e L o v e r

Immerse yourself in the archaeology, history and culture of Pafos and experienceat first hand one of the oldest civilisationsof the world, famous for the cult of Aphroditeand later for the spread of Christianity.Pafos was the island’s capital for six centuries. Like an open-air museum, large parts of it have been put on UNESCO’sheritage list.

Ancient temples, rock-cut tombs, Roman villas with elaborate floor mosaics,reflect a highly sophisticated society.

Adistant outpost of the Byzantine Empire, Cyprus escaped the iconoclastic decrees and Byzantine art survived and flourished here. Marvel at the vivid wall paintings in the apses of medieval

churches and especially those in the cave a hermit carved out of the mountain at the monastery of St Neophytos. Chrysorrogiatissa monastery has a collection of important Byzantine icons, some of them believed towork miracles, including one supposedly painted by St Luke. Many importantfigures influential in the spread of Christianity came from Cyprus, which becameknown as the ‘island of saints’. It was the first country in the world to comeunder Christian administration. See the St Paul’s Pillars in Pafos where, legend has it, St Paul was flogged when he visited the island together with StBarnabas, the founder of the Church of Cyprus, in AD 45 before convertingthe Roman governor.

Discover some fine Christian architectural masterpieces such as the AgiaParaskevi church at Geroskipou with its rare five-apse plan and admire theruins of two early Christian basilicas at the church of Agios Georgios in Pegeiawith its interesting mosaic floors and rock-hewn Roman tombs overlookingthe sea. Visit Agia Solomoni church, originally a Christian catacomb. Thesacred tree outside it is believed to cure diseases. Visit the castle in picturesquePafos harbour. Originally a Byzantine defensive construction, it was rebuiltby the Franks destroyed by the Venetians and rebuilt by the Ottomans.

Land of saints, painted churches, legends and miracle-working icons.Nowhere else can you see every style of Byzantine art in such a small area.

Today Pafos is a part of the island where you can still feel the magicof the goddess of beauty. Exult in the majestic landscapes and unspoiled coastlines untouched by time around the Akamas coastline.

Explore the countryside inland and notice how elements of Byzantine architecture are reflected in the arches of the traditional stone-built villagehouses of the Laonas area.

Discover remote villages where old customs and traditions have been kept alive down the generations. Age-old crafts continue to be made, suchas traditional lace-making and basket-weaving, and potters still create anthropomorphic vessels. The grapevine is still cultivated and wine produced in a tradition that goes back 4000 years.Visit the Folk Art museumat Geroskipou for a striking representation of traditional Cypriot life.

Experience the modern version of the rituals connected with the worship ofAphrodite in the ‘Anthestiria’, or spring flower festivals, and ‘Kataklysmos’,the Festival of the Flood, in June when participants plunge into the sea to commemorate the goddess’ emergence from the waves. The Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus still plays an important role in society today, withits emphasis on customs that keep the family unit close-knit. The many saintsare all remembered with colourful village celebrations, or ‘panegiria’, in honour of one of their name days held almost on a weekly basis.

A picturesque island where past meets present at every turn, with a strong culture and many traditions handed down through the ages.