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Fabrika Hill: A Panoramic Portal to Paphos' Past

Uncover Paphos' ancient past at Fabrika Hill: Explore Hellenistic quarries, Roman ruins, and panoramic views from this historically rich and freely accessible site.

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Fabrika Hill offers a captivating blend of history and panoramic views in the heart of Paphos. Once a vital part of ancient Nea Paphos, this elevated site reveals layers of civilization from Hellenistic quarries to Roman residences and medieval activity. Explore the intriguing cave complex, remnants of an ancient theatre, and a well-preserved pebble mosaic. The panoramic viewing platform provides stunning vistas of the city and coastline, making it a worthwhile destination for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike. While the site is freely accessible, be prepared for uneven terrain and limited amenities. Comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure are essential for uncovering the secrets of Fabrika Hill.

A brief summary to Fabrika Hill Panoramic Viewing Platform

  • 603-606-611-612, 615, Paphos, CY
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is uneven and rocky, especially when exploring the cave complex.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy quieter surroundings.
  • Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as there are limited amenities on the hill.
  • Explore the cave complex with caution, and consider visiting with a friend for added safety.
  • Take advantage of the free access and spend some time enjoying the panoramic views of Paphos and the coastline.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Paphos Harbour area, head east along the coastal promenade towards Poseidonos Avenue. Continue along Poseidonos Avenue for approximately 1km until you reach the intersection with Agiou Ayapitikou Street. Cross at the traffic lights and continue straight onto Agiou Ayapitikou Street. Fabrika Hill will be on your left, approximately 500m uphill. The walk from the harbor takes about 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Kato Paphos, take bus number 615 towards Paphos Town and disembark at the 'Fabrika' bus stop. From there, walk east along the road, following signs to Fabrika Hill. The walk to the viewing platform is approximately 15 minutes. A single bus ticket costs €2 during the day or €3 at night.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from the Paphos Harbour area to Fabrika Hill will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific service. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes.

  • Driving

    From the center of Paphos, navigate towards Tombs of the Kings Ave (A2) and head east. Continue straight until you reach the junction with the A6 highway. Merge onto the A6 and follow the signs for Paphos Harbor. After passing the harbor, look for signs directing you to Fabrika Hill. Limited free parking is available near the base of the hill. Parking in marked zones nearby costs €1 for 2-3 hours, depending on the zone.

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Discover more about Fabrika Hill Panoramic Viewing Platform

Fabrika Hill, a low-lying elevation northeast of the Paphos Archaeological Park, is a site brimming with historical significance and offering stunning panoramic views of Paphos. The hill's name originates from a cotton factory that operated here during the Frankish period, but its history stretches back millennia, revealing a rich tapestry of human activity from the Hellenistic era to Turkish times. Archaeological excavations have unearthed a variety of structures and artifacts, including houses, fortifications, tombs, places of worship, and temporary accommodations, providing valuable insights into the lives of those who inhabited this area throughout different periods. The hill's strategic location and geological features made it a natural source of building materials, influencing its development and use over centuries. During the Hellenistic period, Fabrika Hill became an integral part of Nea Paphos, which was founded in the late 4th century BC. The area was transformed into an important district during the later Roman era, featuring modern buildings and infrastructure, including sophisticated water supply systems. Residential remains from these periods, including two Hellenistic and Roman-era houses, can still be seen today. One house boasts a clay water supply and a pebble mosaic floor that once adorned a banquet hall, while the second house, dating back to the 1st century AD, features salvaged cisterns and remnants of frescoes. One of the most significant discoveries on Fabrika Hill is the ancient theatre, constructed around 300 BC on its southern slope. This theatre, used for over six centuries, stands as a testament to the importance of theatrical performances in the ancient world. The theatre could accommodate over 8,500 spectators at its peak during the reign of the Antonine Emperors in the 2nd century AD. Surrounding the theatre, archaeologists have found remnants of the Roman city, including a Nymphaeum (public fountain) to the southeast and a cobblestone road to the south. Medieval workshops and craft buildings are also visible on the theatre's ruins, reflecting the area's continued use throughout history. The underground Hellenistic quarry on the eastern outskirts of Fabrika Hill is another must-see attraction. According to legend, King Kinyras created the quarry when he moved Paphos from Palepaphos (modern-day Kouklia Village) to its current location in Kato Paphos to provide building materials for the new city. The impressive artificial caves of the ancient quarry are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the engineering and construction techniques of the time. Exploration of the cave complex reveals a labyrinth of tunnels and underground rooms, initially catacombs from the Hellenistic period used as a cemetery. Later, these caves served as homes for Christians fleeing Roman persecution. The caves are seemingly endless, with many dark nooks and crannies to explore. The size of the cave complex suggests that it once sheltered hundreds, if not thousands, of people seeking refuge. Today, visitors can access a viewing platform at the top of Fabrika Hill, providing panoramic views of Kato Paphos and the surrounding coastline. The walkway that links Paphos Archaeological Park with Fabrika Hill has recently opened to the public, making it easier to explore both sites. The walkway ends outside the archaeological park, so visitors do not need to pay park admission if they only want to use the bridge. While exploring Fabrika Hill, visitors should wear comfortable shoes due to the uneven terrain. The site is generally safe to explore during the day, but it is advisable to exercise caution when venturing into the darker recesses of the cave complex. The site is free to enter and explore, making it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction for all visitors to Paphos. Fabrika Hill offers a unique blend of history, archaeology, and natural beauty. Its panoramic views, ancient ruins, and intriguing cave complex make it a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich past of Paphos.

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