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| Travel Guide 2 > Europe > Cyprus > Towns and Cities > Paphos |
Paphos
Paphos Castle:
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According to legend, Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite (the goddess of love and beauty), who rose from the sea (see Rock of Aphrodite). In classical times, Paphos was the center of worship of Aphrodite, not just in Cyprus but for the entire region, and the foundation walls of a large ancient temple of Aphrodite are still discernable.
Other historic sites in the area include the Castle of Paphos in the harbor area, which was originally built by the Byzantines, and then dismantled and rebuilt repeatedly during the periods of the Lusignans, the Venetians and the Ottomans. Additionally in the area, there is the Tombs of the Kings, a burial site used from the 4th century BCE, many early Christian catacomb sites, and numerous Roman ruins - including many beautiful Roman mosaics.
Tourists and visitors to Paphos will also want to be sure to visit the Coral Bay area, which is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) to the North of the town. Coral Bay has many restaurants and bars, and also has a wonderful sandy beach (which many consider to be one of the best beaches in Cyprus).
Key Facts about Paphos
Here are some facts about Paphos:
- Paphos (Greek: Παφος - Pafos; Turkish: Baf/Kasaba)
is a city on the southwestern coast of Cyprus.
- Paphos has an estimated population of 26,530, with 52,800 living in the urban area.
- According to Greek mythology, Paphos is the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite
(the goddess of love and beauty), who supposedly rose
from the sea near the
Rock of Aphrodite. As a result of this,
Paphos became one of the most important places for the worship of Aphrodite in the ancient world.
- Paphos is supposedly named after a mythical figure, Paphos, who was the son of (or according to Ovid the daughter of)
Pygmalion. You will recall that Pygmalion is supposed to have created an ivory image of Aphrodite which
was brought to like by the goddess, as Galatea.
- During Roman times, Paphos was the capital of island of Cyprus. As a result
it is home to the remains of the Roman governor's palace, and many fine Roman mosaics.
- Air travellers to Paphos are served by the second largest airport in Cyprus, Paphos International Airport. Paphos International Airport is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) Southeast of the city.
- Paphos has been selected to be European Capital of Culture in 2017 along with Århus in Denmark.
Attractions and Places of Interest in Paphos
Here are some attractions and places of interest in the Paphos area:
- Adonis Baths
- Byzantine Museum
- Coral Bay, about 6 kilometers (4 miles) North of Paphos
- EOKA Museum in Chlorakas, about half way between Paphos and Coral Bay
- Pafos Zoo (formerly "Pafos Bird Park") to the North of Paphos
- Paphos Aphrodite Water Park
- Paphos Aquarium
- Paphos Castle near Paphos Harbour.
- Paphos Harbour
- Paphos Roman Mosaics near Paphos Harbour.
- Rock of Aphrodite ("Petra Tou Romiou") between Paphos and Limassol
- Tombs of the Kings
Weather in Paphos
The climate in Paphos is classified as Mediterranean, or dry-summer subtropical. Most rain falls from mid-November to March, snowfall tends to occur only about once per decade, and it almost never rains during the Summer. In July and August, humidity can sometimes reach as high as 85%. Overall, Paphos enjoys the mildest climate of any location in Cyprus.
For current weather information, we recommend:
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Books about Paphos
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