5 Architectural Landmarks You Can’t Miss In Paphos
When in Paphos renting a car is the best way to move around as you sample these attractions. There are several companies offering car rental services like Hertz Paphos that you can get yourself one. Remember to always call and book in advance to get yourself the best deal. Let's look at the 5 architectural landmarks you must visit on your trip to Paphos.
Agios Neophytos Monastery
This monastery dates back to 1159 and was made by Neophytos. Today it hosts a museum that showcases many icons and manuscripts. Located only 20 min from Paphos city center, it holds a two-day trade fair at the beginning of the year to sell arts and crafts. It consists of a church, Neophytus former cell, and a refectory.
St. Paul's Pillar
It is believed Paul the apostle visited Paphos around 45 AD and for the then mistake of spreading christianity, was tied at this pillar and lashed. Today people visit the pillar to pay pilgrimage. The pillar stands in the compound of the biggest basilica in Paphos.
The Paphos archaeological park
This is a major archeological site in Cyprus. It got the status of a World Heritage site in 1980. It has sites and monuments that can be dated centuries back. The park includes important monuments like the Odeon, the Agora, and the Asklepieion. It is open all year round apart from Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday. It is also partially accessible to wheelchairs.
Paphos Castle
It's a conspicuous castle standing at the edge of the city’s harbor. This Roman-time Byzantine castle is hard to miss because of its imposing presence. Over time it was destroyed by earthquakes and various emperors rebuilt it. It had various previous uses including detaining those perceived to be against the state and storing salt. Every September it comes to life during the Paphos open-air festival.
Tombs of the Kings
This is another UNESCO heritage site. It is an ancient underground graveyard, with tombs that were carved in solid rock. It was a burial site for noblemen and senior government officials and not kings as the name insinuates. The tombs were named tombs of kings because of their master artistry. However, little information about the tombs has been left due to many factors with grave robbers being among them.
Interesting facts to know about Paphos
Below are a few facts you should know about Paphos:
- Nea Paphos means New Paphos. Palaipaphos refers to the old Paphos. The old Paphos was destroyed by an earthquake.
- Nea Paphos was founded around the end of the 4th century by king Nicocles.
- Nea Paphos was built using an organized planning system, almost similar to what we have today. Divided into quarters, shopping, public and residential areas
- Walls were erected around the city to protect it.
- It became the capital of the Island in 2nd BC.
- The city reached its greatest prosperity around the 2nd and 3rd century AD. It's at this period that many buildings that are preserved up to today date back to.
Conclusion
There is much that attracts visitors to Paphos. Among them are the architectural landmarks, some of them dating back hundreds of years ago. In this article, five have been discussed that you should not miss visiting the next time you are in Paphos. As a visitor the most ideal way to move around as you enjoy the attractions will be by car. There are several companies where you can find available cars for rent. Compare at least three, settle on one, rent a car and enjoy Paphos’ architectural offerings. They will make you go back in time and appreciate those who came before us.