Culture of Paphos. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The culturally rich city of Paphos offers its guests an amazing touring program which will be of great interest to fans of exploration of different historical sites and landmarks. Ruins of antique buildings, mystique ceremonial spots, majestic temples and antique squares are among the most important place to visit in Paphos. A significant symbol of this resort city is 40 columns which were erected on the place of a scale byzantine fortress.

Earlier on there was a scale castle on this place which protected the city for more than five hundred years. The construction of columns was held in the 13th century. Even though the architectural complex is almost ruined, this significant historical spot attracts curious tourists all over the world. A genuinely unique construction is the ancient Odeon theater which was used as a place for holding significant public events as far back as two thousand years ago.

According to researchers the theater was built in the 2nd century BC. After the renovation the Odeon theater has been an established place for holding summer open air concerts and theatrical performances. Not far from the theaters the guests of the city will find the ruins of an ancient temple and a contemporary lighthouse which are as well significant spots of tourist attraction. The territory of the resort is developed by archeologists today. Their inestimable findings tourists may observe during a tour to the District Archeological Museum. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The main showpiece of the museum’s exposition is considered to be the Hellenic coffin which was found on the territory of Peyia village. One of the halls of the scale museum is dedicated to the ceramics articles and decorations; another hall presents a collection of idol statues and Roman bowls and pots. The museum offers a rich exposition. The Byzantine Museum is the same interesting and attractive cultural spot to visit. It is located in the Ktima district of the city. A collection of ancient icons is the crown of the museum exposition. Some showpieces presented in the museum aged more than 1.5 thousand years.

In the nearest suburbs of Paphos tourists will find the Tombs of the Kings. This is a scale necropolis which was established in 4th – 3rd centuries BC. Travelers will see ancient tombs carved in the rocks. In the prehistoric age high ranking persons were buried there. Among other local landmarks and sites the St. Neophytos Monastery is best worth visiting. The monastery was established in one of the grots and still keeps a priceless collection of ancient fresco paintings. The most remarkable landmark of the Middle Age epoch is the fortress, the construction of which was finished in 1592. Close to the fortress tourists will find a magnificent square which is an established place of holding of significant public events and bright festivals.