Palaepaphos (Sanctuary of Aphrodite)
Παλαίπαφος
The ruins of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Paphos and a centre of Aphrodite worship. Part of a World Heritage Site, with a medieval manor house museum.
Palaepaphos lies at the village of Kouklia, about 16 kilometers from Paphos. It was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Paphos and the most celebrated sanctuary of Aphrodite in the Mediterranean world, with worshippers coming here from the 12th century BC. The site includes the foundations of a temple, Roman-era mosaics (including a copy of Leda and the Swan) and a manor house from the Lusignan period. A small archaeological museum here displays the black conical stones that symbolized the goddess in the sanctuary. The site is part of the Paphos World Heritage Site, and admission costs about 4.5 euros. It can be combined with a visit to Aphrodite's Rock.
Opening hours
08:30–17:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite's Rock)
- Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
- Paphos District Archaeological Museum
- Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St Paul's Pillar
- Agia Solomoni Catacombs
- Paphos Old Town (Ktima) & Municipal Market
- Kato Paphos Harbour & Promenade
- Paphos Castle