Paphos history

Legends and Historical Beginnings

The history of Paphos is inextricably intertwined with Greek mythology and actual historical events. According to legend, it was off the shores of this region that the goddess Aphrodite was born from the sea foam. Historically, the city known to archaeologists as Nea Paphos (New Paphos) was founded at the end of the 4th century BC by the last king of Palaepaphos — Nicocles.

Key Development Factors

The rapid growth and transformation of the city into one of the main centres of the Mediterranean were driven by several strategic advantages:

• Convenient Harbour: A natural bay allowed for the creation of a powerful port, which became a vital point on maritime routes between Alexandria and the islands of the Aegean Sea.
• Political Status: During the Hellenistic period, and subsequently under Roman rule, Paphos became the capital of Cyprus, serving as the island's administrative and military centre.
• Natural Resources: Proximity to the forests of the Troodos Mountains provided the city with the timber necessary for active shipbuilding.

Early Culture and Economy

From the moment of its founding, Paphos developed as a wealthy and culturally rich city. The economy flourished thanks to copper exports and servicing merchant fleets. Religious tourism of antiquity played a special role: the famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite in Old Paphos attracted thousands of pilgrims, bringing the region significant income and fame as a sacred site. The high standard of living of the local nobility is evidenced by the unique floor mosaics preserved to this day, which adorned the villas of the aristocracy.

Major Historical Milestones

• End of the 4th century BC — King Nicocles founds Nea Paphos (New Paphos), which quickly becomes an economic hub thanks to its convenient harbour.
• 58 BC — Cyprus comes under Roman rule, and Paphos is officially confirmed as the capital of the island and the residence of the proconsul.
• 45 AD — Apostles Paul and Barnabas visit the city to preach, converting the Roman proconsul to Christianity.
• 4th century AD — A series of powerful earthquakes destroys the city, leading to the loss of its capital status, which passes to Salamis.
• 1191 — The English King Richard the Lionheart conquers the island, ending the Byzantine period of rule.
• 13th century — During the Lusignan dynasty era, the first version of the famous Paphos Castle is built to protect the port.
• 1489 — The city passes under the control of the Venetian Republic; during this time, the defensive structures of the fort are strengthened.
• 1571 — Establishment of Ottoman rule in Cyprus; Paphos loses administrative influence, remaining a quiet port town.
• 1878 — Cyprus is transferred to British administration, and the gradual modernization of the region's infrastructure begins.
• 1960 — The proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus opens opportunities for the development of Paphos as a resort.
• 1980 — The city's archaeological monuments, including the famous mosaics, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 2017 — Paphos receives the honorary status of European Capital of Culture, attracting thousands of tourists to its historical heritage.

Key Stages of Paphos' Transformation

The development of Paphos is a story of the transformation of an ancient metropolis into a modern resort, where urban planning decisions of the past coexist harmoniously with new infrastructure. Here are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city:

• Founding and Ancient Layout (4th century BC)

  The laying out of the city according to the Hippodamian system (a regular grid of streets) defined its structure for centuries to come. Its status as the island's capital during the Hellenistic and Roman periods led to the construction of monumental public buildings, a theatre, and luxurious villas with mosaics, which today form the basis of the region's cultural heritage.

• Religious Transformation (1st century AD)

  The visit of the Apostle Paul and the conversion of the proconsul to Christianity made Paphos the first city in the world governed by a Christian. This event forever changed the cultural landscape of the city, turning it from a centre of the cult of Aphrodite into an important place of pilgrimage for early Christians, reflected in the construction of majestic basilicas.

• Medieval Fortification (13th–16th centuries)

  During the rule of the Lusignans and Venetians, the focus shifted to the defence of the harbour. The construction and subsequent reconstruction of Paphos Castle strengthened the city's role as a trading port, ensuring the protection of sea routes and export goods (sugar, cotton, and silk).

• Inclusion in the UNESCO List (1980)

  The recognition of the entire city as a World Heritage site was a turning point in urban planning policy. This decision halted chaotic development in the coastal zone, preserving the vast Archaeological Park as the "green lungs" and the main tourist magnet of the centre.

• Construction of the International Airport (1983)

  The opening of its own airport became the main economic driver of recent times. This event brought Paphos out of relative isolation, opening it up to mass international tourism and stimulating a boom in hotel construction along the coast.

• Urban Renovation "Paphos 2017"

  Preparation for the status of European Capital of Culture launched a large-scale program to renew the urban environment. The historical centre (Ktima), squares, and public spaces were restored, and scattered archaeological zones were connected by pedestrian routes, making the city more convenient for walking.

Urban Structure: Two Cities in One

The uniqueness of the urban planning of Paphos lies in its clear division into two parts, formed historically and geographically. The Lower City (Kato Paphos) is located by the harbour; ancient ruins and tourist infrastructure are concentrated here. The Upper City (Ktima), located on a rocky plateau, performs administrative functions and preserves the atmosphere of a traditional Cypriot settlement with colonial buildings.

Architectural Layers and Styles

The appearance of the city resembles an open-air museum, where layers of eras create a unique architectural ensemble:

• Hellenism and the Roman Period (Classical Antiquity)

  Elements of the regular Hippodamian street layout have been preserved in the archaeological park of Kato Paphos. The main monuments of this era are the luxurious Roman villas (House of Dionysus, House of Theseus) with atrium courtyards and unique mosaic floors. The restored Odeon — a classical amphitheatre made of limestone blocks, used to this day — also stands out.

• Byzantine Era and Gothic (4th–15th centuries)

  Sacred architecture is represented by the ruins of early Christian basilicas. A vivid example is Panagia Chrysopolitissa, where Byzantine masonry coexists with Gothic elements added later. From the Lusignan era, the ruins of the Saranta Kolones fortress (Castle of Forty Columns) remain, demonstrating the principles of medieval fortification with powerful walls and a moat.

• Ottoman Style (16th–19th centuries)

  The dominant feature of the harbour is Paphos Castle. Originally a Byzantine fort, it was rebuilt by the Ottoman Turks in 1592. The building is distinguished by its conciseness, thick walls, and minimal decoration, which is characteristic of the utilitarian military architecture of that time. In the Upper City, Ottoman Baths (Hammam) with typical stone domes have been preserved.

• British Neoclassicism and Modernism (19th–21st centuries)

  The period of British rule left its mark on the administrative centre (Ktima). Here one can find buildings in the neoclassical colonial style: strict lines, porticos, and the use of local stone. The modern stage of development, especially after receiving the status of European Capital of Culture, brought elements of postmodernism and careful urban renovation, uniting historical zones with pedestrian bridges and landscaped squares.

Legendary Founders and Ancient Rulers

• Agapenor — Hero of the Trojan War and King of Tegea.

  According to legend, it was he who founded Palaepaphos (Old Paphos) and erected the famous temple of Aphrodite, which became the religious centre of the entire ancient world. He is considered the forefather of the region's urban history.

• Nicocles — The last King of Paphos.

  A historical figure who played a key role in the fate of the city. At the end of the 4th century BC, he moved the capital of the kingdom from the old city to the coast, founding Nea Paphos (modern Paphos) to utilize the advantages of the natural harbour.

Roman Period and the Birth of Christianity

• Marcus Tullius Cicero — Roman orator, philosopher, and statesman.

  During the period of Roman rule, when Paphos was the capital of the island, Cicero held the position of Proconsul of Cyprus. His letters and records provide valuable information about the life of the city and the administrative structure of that time.

• Apostle Paul — Christian saint and missionary.

  Visited Paphos during his first missionary journey in 45 AD. One of the most significant events in the city's history was Paul's preaching at "St. Paul's Pillar" and the subsequent conversion of the Roman governor to the new faith.

• Lucius Sergius Paulus — Roman Proconsul.

  Went down in history as the first high-ranking Roman official to accept Christianity. His conversion following the meeting with the Apostle Paul made Cyprus the first territory in the world governed by a Christian.

Figures of the Middle Ages and Modern Era

• Saint Neophytos the Recluse — Monk, writer, and chronicler of the 12th century.

  One of the most important figures of Cypriot Orthodoxy. He founded the famous rock-cut monastery (Enkleistra) near Paphos. His works and the preserved frescoes are an invaluable cultural heritage of the Byzantine era.

• Archbishop Makarios III — First President of the Republic of Cyprus and Primate of the Church of Cyprus.

  A native of the village of Panagia in the Paphos District. He is one of the most famous political figures in the island's modern history, having played a decisive role in Cyprus gaining independence.