Paphos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It was a centre of the cult of Aphrodite and of pre-Hellenic fertility deities. Aphrodite’s legendary birthplace was on this island, where her temple was erected by the Myceneans in the 12th century B.C. The remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs mean that the site is of exceptional architectural and historic value. The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world.
Criteria for inclusion as a World Heritage Site
| # | ||
|---|---|---|
| iii | To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. | All |
| vi | To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria). | All |
Nearby
Sites
| Name | Since | Distance | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linos tou Charilaou (Omodos Wine Press) | 2020 | 38.2km | site_ao | ||
| Tombs of the Kings | 2017 | 1.8km | site_ao | ||
| The Abandoned Copper Mines of Cyprus | 2018 | 73.3km | site_ao | ||
| Panagia tu Araka | 2018 | 59.5km | site_ao | ||
| Cyprus Railways Museum | 2018 | 54.5km | site_ao | ||
| These Rare Ancient Mosaics Paint a Stunning Picture of Greco-Roman Daily Life | 2017 | 0.4km | site_ao | ||
| Kolossi Castle | 2017 | 49.4km | site_ao | ||
| Foinikas Ghost Town | 2018 | 14.9km | site_ao | ||
| Painted Churches in the Troodos Region | 1985 | 65.5km | site_whs |
About the source: UNESCO
Within UNESCO's broad remit, this specialised agency of the UN works towards international cooperation agreements to secure the world's cultural and natural heritage, designating venues of exceptional value as World Heritage Sites.