Paphos is a town in Cyprus whose history dates back to the Neolithic period.  It was in Paphos that the mythological goddess Aphrodite was born and along with her came the legendary upsurge of cult worship that lasted for many centuries.  The Mycenaean’s were the first who built a temple in her name in the 12^th century BC.  Today, the architectural and cultural remains, dating from Hellenistic times to the Roman period, are a proof to the city’s long forgotten extraordinary historical value.

Modern Paphos is a fast developing tourist centre.  An important fishing harbour, the city is divided into two parts: Ktima, the main residential district and Kato Pafos, which is by the sea, is a port and contains most of the luxury hotels, restaurants and tourist places.  The two parts are well connected by Apostolou Pavlou Avenue also known at St Paul’s Avenue.  Thus busy road begins at the city centre and ends outside the Medieval Fort.

EXCURSIONS

 

There are a wide range of different trips to take during your stay.

Paphos Bird and Animal Park – Coral Bay

Situated 6 km from Coral Bay.  This park boasts one of the largest bird collections and it is committed to the breeding and conservation of birds, animals and plant life of Cyprus and the world. A 350 seated amphitheatre is a key feature at the park, offering air conditioning in the summer and heating during the winter months. There are daily owl and parrot shows with education programmes taking place during the bird show intervals.

Adonis Baths

Adonis, the God of beauty, was born after Aphrodite turned his mother Myrrha into a myrrh tree. Eventually, the tree burst open and Adonis emerged from within it. Once Adonis was born Aphrodite was so moved by his beauty that she sheltered him and entrusted him to Persephone. She was also taken by his beauty and refused to give him back. The dispute was eventually settled by Zeus, who decided Adonis would spend one third of each year with each goddess and the last third wherever he wanted. Adonis always chose to spend 2 thirds of the year with Aphrodite. Artemis, the Goddess of hunting, was said to be jealous of the love between Aphrodite and Adonis, and wanted to kill Adonis. She threw a golden almond into the baths, but Poseidon the god of sea, saw what happened and covered the golden almond with a torrent to stop Adonis drowning. She then asked Mars, the God of War to push the mountains onto Adonis whilst he was at the baths; Poseidon once again came to his assistance and saved him. However, one day whilst Adonis was hunting, a man disguised as a wild boar wounded him. He returned to the baths but later died in the arms of Aphrodite.

Paphis Fort

The fort or castle is located at the Kato Paphos harbour.  It was originally a Byzantine fort, but was remodelled by the Lusignans.  But in 1570 the Venetians destroyed the castle but during the Ottoman rule the castle was restored to its old glory, expanded and reinforced.  Built of strong and large stones, the castle is connected to the harbour via an arched bridge.  There are very few windows but the view from the top of the castle is superb.