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Nea Paphos Archaeological Site: A Journey Through Time

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Discover ancient Roman villas, intricate mosaics, and Hellenistic history at this UNESCO World Heritage Site near Paphos Harbour, Cyprus.

Explore the ruins of Nea Paphos, the ancient capital of Cyprus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting remarkably preserved Roman villas with intricate mosaic floors depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Wander through the remains of an agora, an odeon, and a fortress, and step back in time to experience life in this once-thriving city.

A brief summary to Nea Paphos

  • Poseidonos Ave 12, Paphos, 8042, CY
Eve
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nea Paphos.

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground while exploring the site.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as there is limited shade available.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
  • Download a map or a guidebook to help navigate the extensive site and learn about the different monuments.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the archaeological park.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    Nea Paphos is located a short walk from the Paphos Harbour. From the harbor, follow the coastal path west towards the Paphos Fort. The entrance to the archaeological site is located just behind the fort. The walk is mostly flat and takes approximately 5-10 minutes. There are no specific costs associated with walking to the site.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes connect Paphos Harbour to other parts of the city. Bus 610 travels between Paphos Harbour and Paphos Old Town. From the Karavella bus station in the Old Town, you can connect to other routes. The local bus fare is EUR 2 for a single ticket during the day or EUR 3 at night. A day ticket costs EUR 6.50. The Kato Paphos bus station is approximately a 5-minute walk to the park.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Paphos. A taxi ride from Paphos city center to Nea Paphos will cost approximately EUR 8-12, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the B20 road towards Paphos Harbour. There is parking available near the site. Parking fees vary, with municipal parking costing around EUR 1 for 2-3 hours. Some car parks may charge hourly rates. Be aware of parking restrictions, as indicated by double yellow lines.

Discover more about Nea Paphos

Nea Paphos, located near Paphos Harbour, is an archaeological park that unveils the captivating remains of what was once the capital of Cyprus. Founded in the late 4th century BC by King Nicocles, it flourished under the Ptolemaic dynasty and Roman rule, becoming a vital center for culture, trade, and religion. The city's strategic location made it a key stopping point for merchants and pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, Nea Paphos showcases a remarkable collection of monuments and structures dating from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. Among the most famous are the Roman villas, particularly the House of Dionysos, the House of Theseus, the House of Aion, and the House of Orpheus, celebrated for their exceptionally well-preserved mosaic floors. These mosaics depict scenes from Greek mythology with incredible detail and vibrant colors.Visitors can also explore the remains of an agora (market square), an Asklepion (a temple dedicated to the god of medicine), a basilica, an odeon (theater), and the Saranta Kolones fortress. The ancient theater, dating back to the city's founding, was in use until the 5th century AD. The Saranta Kolones castle, named for its numerous granite columns, was constructed in the 7th century AD to protect the city from Arab raids. Nea Paphos offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited this ancient city.

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Explore the captivating ruins of Nea Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Paphos Harbour, and discover stunning mosaics and ancient structures from Cyprus's Hellenistic and Roman past.

Nea Paphos

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