There’s More Than Just the Sun to Worship in Paphos

Holidays to Paphos usually conjure up images of wonderful beaches, long, lazy days relaxing in the sun, wonderful warm seas and a fairly lively nightlife. Whilst this is all very synonymous of holidays in Paphos, there is another side to the resort too. Paphos earned itself a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1980 due to its fine collection of Greek artefacts and Roman relics that are still visible today. Ruins dating back to the 12th century BC, ancient tombs, Roman remains and crumbling fortresses just waiting to be explored have turned the town into one of the most fascinating open air museums in the world.

An area of huge cult worship began when the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite rose from the sea just off the coast near here. A rugged rock, known as Aphrodite's Rock juts from the sea marking the exact spot where the legend was said to have risen. Visit the Fountain of Love at the Baths of Aphrodite, said to be a source of fertility, or the Sanctuary of Aphrodite in the beautiful Kouklia Village, scene of many Pagan festivals over the years.

The theme of worship continues as Paphos is also known for its early recognition of Christianity when in 45AD, under Roman rule, Saint Paul is believed to have converted the first ruler to the Christian faith. A visit to the Panagia Chrysopolotissa Church and Byzantine Basilica will show the pillar which Saint Paul was tied to and flogged.

The Tombs of the Kings, bizarrely named as no Kings were ever thought to have been buried here, can be found on the road out to Coral Bay and are a stunning sight to behold. The remains of aristocrats rather then royalty are thought to be contained within the burial chambers here, which date back to 300BC. Their powerful sense of calm and mythical mystery puts them high on your list of things to see.
For something a little different on your holidays to Paphos, visit the Ayios Naophytos Monastery, just 20 minutes out of town. Set 1694 feet above sea level; apart from anything else, the views here are amazing. It feels as though you are stepping back in time and there's a wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity. The monastery is thought to have been founded by a Cypriot hermit called Neophytos in 1159 when he carved a home for himself out of the mountain rock. There are just a handful of monks living in the monastery beneath the series of grottos he carved out of the mountain side, many of which still have his wall paintings or 'frescoes' still visible.

Although no-one would blame you for wanting to spend all day on the beaches when taking holidays to Paphos, its definitely worth exploring the town and its surrounding regions as there are some of the most beautiful and fascinating historical sites here.