Tomb of the kings paphos

Getty Images. Imagine yourself surrounded by ancient tombs in a desertlike landscape where the only sounds are waves crashing on rocks. Despite the name, the tombs were not actually used by royalty; they earned the title from their grand appearance, tomb of the kings paphos. Located 2km north of Kato Pafos, the tombs are unique in Cyprus, being heavily influenced by ancient Egyptian tradition, when it was believed that tombs for the dead should resemble houses for the living.

If you love exploring old cities and historic towns, a morning at The Tomb of Kings in Paphos is a must while travelling around Cyprus. While everyone else headed to the beach, we hopped on a bus to explore these ancient ruins. This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support. Get more info on our Privacy Policy. Tomb Of Kings Entrance Price. April 16 — September —

Tomb of the kings paphos

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus has an incredible history on its shores. The alluring coastal city of Paphos in the southwest is awash with ancient ruins. Not only will you be basking on the Blue Flag beaches in Paphos with miles of shimmering azure ocean at your feet, but you can also embark on a voyage of discovery around its necropolis. You must allow a couple of hours to fully explore the underground necropolis and catacombs. Never underestimate what lies below the earth beneath your feet. Burials continue to take place up to the 3rd-century AD. Firstly, a bit of a spoiler alert as actually there are no Kings buried here. The name comes from the grandeur and majesty of the vast burial ground. The cemetery was used for Paphos Aristocracy and their families, noblemen and local officials. The necropolis was needed for the principal residents of the Nea Paphos further south by the harbour. The incredible prehistoric ruins can be visited nearby Paphos Castle.

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The Tombs of the Kings contain a set of well-preserved underground tombs and chambers used by residents of Nea Pafos during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Influenced by ancient Egyptian tradition, resemble houses for the living and despite the name, the tombs were not actually used by royalty; they earned the title from their grand appearance. Cut into the native rock , the seven excavated tombs are scattered over a wide area; with the burial chambers opening onto a peristyle atrium below ground level, surrounded by Doric pillars and frescoed walls. Other tombs have cavities built into the walls where bodies were stored. The tombs have been known and were explored for centuries. Many discoveries have been made as a result of systematical excavations.

The burial niches were looted of all artifacts long ago, but a powerful sense of stillness and mystery remains. The name of the site is misleading—there's no evidence of any royalty buried here. Rather, the site was the final resting place of about Ptolemaic aristocrats who lived and died in Paphos beginning in the 3rd century BC. Early antiquarians dubbed the site the "Tombs of the Kings" due to the impressiveness of the tombs, and the name has stuck. The catacombs were later used by early Christians , and one of the tombs was turned into a chapel. In the Middle Ages, some tombs were used as makeshift dwellings or as workplaces —pottery was made in tomb 3. The site was systematically looted of artifacts long before excavations began in Investigations continue today under the Cyprus Department of Antiquities. The tombs are impressive, carved out of solid rock, some featuring Doric pillars and frescoed walls. The design is heavily indebted to Macedonian prototypes, passed on from Alexander's armies to the Ptolemies.

Tomb of the kings paphos

More specifically they are located two kilometres northwest of the Paphos harbour. The tombs are unique due to its courtyard architecture which seems to have also been affected by the Egyptians. The ancient Egyptians believed that the dead should lay in tombs that resemble houses and this is exactly what the Tombs of the Kings replicate. People across the world who love archaeological sites should visit the Tombs of the Kings as is one of the main attractions in the town of Paphos as well as one of the most amazing archaeological sites on the island. The Tombs cover a distance of about 1.

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Learn how your comment data is processed. Contents move to sidebar hide. Very clean and excellent, modern decor and facilities. What remains are the foundations of a 4th-century Christian basilica, which…. Contact Us. The first catacomb. September 17 — April — The tree-lined pathway. You can catch the Stansted Express rail link from London Liverpool Street, which departs every 15 minutes. Others Others. Jet2holidays offers several departure locations around the UK, we selected to hop aboard the Jet2holidays flight from London Stansted Airport. Best stay for family with kids. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus has an incredible history on its shores. The alluring coastal city of Paphos in the southwest is awash with ancient ruins. Not only will you be basking on the Blue Flag beaches in Paphos with miles of shimmering azure ocean at your feet, but you can also embark on a voyage of discovery around its necropolis.

Social :. Never underestimate what lies below the earth beneath your feet. It is overseen by the Department of Antiquities today. Get a little dose of inspiration straight to your inbox! There are similar ancient tombs found in Alexandria, Egypt, signifying the close relations between the two cities during the Hellenistic period. This sand will ruin it. Ancient Kourion. Lara Beach. If you love exploring old cities and historic towns, a morning at The Tomb of Kings in Paphos is a must while travelling around Cyprus. The cookie is set by Booking. The best service ever, very clean and quiet, nice pools and very good security. A great 6-night stay.