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Pafos (Paphos)
Description: The town of Paphos, which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is famed for being the birthplace of Aphrodite (the Goddess of Love) and home to Aphrodite’s Rock (Petra Toy Romiou), which was erected by the Myceneans in the 12th century BC. The town also boasts majestic landscapes, lovely coastline, as well as numerous historic sites including the beautiful Mosaics of Paphos. These are located near the harbour in Kato Pafos and are considered to be the finest mosaics in the Eastern Mediterranean, depicting scenes from greek mythology and still in excellent condition. The Tombs of the Kings, a maze of underground tombs dating back to the fourth century BC which actually housed the remains of high officials rather than kings, can also be found in the Paphos area, along with the many relics in the Medieval Fort, the Paphos District Archaelogical Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Ethnographical Museum. The impressive second century Odeon, which was rediscovered in 1973, the 12th-century Saranta Kolones Castle, which was built by the Lusignans but virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1222, the fifth-century Panagia Limeniotissa Basilica and the 13th-century Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, where one can see St Paul’s Pillar, where according to legend St Paul was flogged 29 times, are all also worth a visit for their architectural and historical importance.
Contact Addresses: Pafos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), 7 Athinon Avenue and Alexandrou Papagou Corner, Tolmi Court, First Floor, Office 101-102, Pafos, Cyprus
Tel: (26) 235 115. Fax: (26) 244 602. E-mail: evepafos@cytanet.com.cy
Transportation: Air: Paphos International Airport. Road: Car: Coastal road east to Paphos (from Limassol); coastal road south to Paphos (from the Polis region); road southwest, past Platres and Kedares. Then join coast road east from Limassol (from Troodos).
Opening Times: Aphrodite’s Rock: Daily 24 hours. Byzantine Museum: Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat 0900-1300. Ethnographical Museum: Mon-Sat 0900-1530, Sun 1000-1200 (Oct-Apr); Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sun 1000-1200 (May-Sep). Medieval Fort: Daily 0900-1700 (winter); daily 0900-1800 (summer). Mosaics of Paphos: Daily 0800-1700 (winter); daily 0800-1930 (summer). Pafos District Archaeological Museum: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 1000-1300. Tombs of the Kings: Daily 0800-1700 (winter); daily 0830-1930 (summer). Opening times may vary for churches and other attractions.
Admission Fees: Aphrodite’s Rock: Free. Byzantine Museum: C£1. Ethnographical Museum: C£1. Medieval Fort: C£0.75. Mosaics of Paphos: C£1.50. Paphos District Archaelogical Museum: C£0.75. Tombs of the Kings: C£0.75.
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