Colonnaded courts
Below ground.
Peter Collins from Maidenhead, UK — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Mgiganteus1 at en.wikipedia — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Nikodem Nijaki — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Nikodem Nijaki — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Inga Tomane — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bukvoed — CC BY 4.0 · Kritzolina — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Nikodem Nijaki — CC BY-SA 3.0
A large rock-cut necropolis on the coast about 2 km north of Paphos harbour, many of its tombs dating to the fourth century BC; it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Nea Paphos in 1980. Despite the name, no kings were buried here, but the aristocrats and high officials of Paphos until the third century AD; the name comes from the grandeur of the tombs, which were carved in the rock to imitate the houses of the living. The finest tombs are reached by rock-cut steps leading down to open courtyards ringed with Doric columns, off which the burial chambers open; some keep traces of painted walls. Excavations are still going on. The site is exposed to the sea, so visit in the morning or before sunset, with comfortable shoes for the steps down into the tombs. About an hour is enough.
Below ground.
Down to tombs.
Right by the sea.
About 2 km north of Paphos harbour
No. It held the aristocrats and high officials of Paphos until the third century AD; the name comes from the grandeur of the rock-cut tombs.