Nea Paphos Archaeological Park, Paphos (must see)

Paphos Archaeological Park, also known as Kato Pafos Archaeological Park, encompasses a significant portion of the ancient Greek and Roman city of Paphos and continues to be a site of ongoing excavation, offering a remarkable journey through time.

Within the park's boundaries, visitors can explore a diverse range of sites and monuments that span from prehistoric periods to the Middle Ages. Among the most prominent and well-preserved discoveries are four grand Roman villas: the House of Dionysos, the House of Aion, the House of Theseus, and the House of Orpheus. These villas boast exquisite mosaic floors, with the Orpheus mosaic being a particularly breathtaking example of ancient artistry.

The archaeological explorations have also revealed an agora (a central public space), an asklipieion (a healing temple), a basilica, an odeion (a small theater), a Hellenistic-Roman theater, and a necropolis recognized as the "Tombs of the Kings."

Nea Paphos, situated within the Paphos Archaeological Park, forms an integral part of the Paphos archaeological complex inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition was bestowed upon the complex in 1980 in acknowledgment of its exceptional mosaics, ancient remnants, and historical religious significance.

Historically, Nea Paphos is believed to have been established by Nicocles, the final king of Paphos, towards the close of the 4th century BC. It subsequently became the island's capital at the beginning of the 2nd century BC during the Hellenistic period under the rule of the Ptolemies, supplanting Salamis as the capital.

In 1965, archaeological excavations were initiated under the guidance of Prof. Kazimierz Michałowski, conducted by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw. The excavations uncovered remarkable finds, including marble statues of Asclepius and Artemis, both significant deities worshipped in the city. Additionally, a treasure trove of silver coins from the reigns of Philip III of Macedon and Alexander the Great was brought to light.