Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Ruins of Nea Paphos by the harbour, famous for Roman villas with elaborate mosaic floors.
Nea Paphos was founded towards the end of the fourth century BC and became the administrative capital of Cyprus under the Ptolemies and then the Romans. The archaeological park covers much of the walled ancient city on the headland beside the modern harbour. Excavation since 1962, led by Cypriot and Polish teams, has uncovered public buildings, an agora, a theatre, an odeon, early Christian basilicas, rock-cut tombs and the fortified Saranta Kolones castle of the Frankish period.
The site is best known for the mosaic pavements of four large Roman houses, named after their principal subjects: the House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus, the House of Aion and the House of Orpheus. Laid mainly in the second to fourth centuries AD, they depict mythological scenes, hunting, vintage work and personifications, and are sheltered under modern roofs. Nea Paphos, with Palaipaphos and the Tombs of the Kings, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.
Highlights
- Mosaic floors of the House of Dionysos, including Narcissus and Pyramus
- House of Theseus, the largest Roman residence excavated on the island
- Odeon of the second century AD, still used for occasional performances
- Saranta Kolones, a Frankish castle wrecked by the earthquake of 1222
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