Kato Pafos - Tombs of the Kings

Imagine yourself surrounded by ancient tombs in a desert-like landscape where the only sounds are waves crashing on rocks. The Tombs of the Kings, a Unesco World Heritage Site, contains a set of well-preserved underground tombs and chambers used by residents of Nea Pafos during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. Despite the name, the tombs were not actually used by royalty; they earned the title from their grand appearance. 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.

Paphos has a long and obscure history and naming Paphos is anything but simple. Originally, the town, Palaea (Old) Paphos, was sited where Kouklia village is now, some 7km to the East along the coast. This was first settled towards the end of the 12th Century BC. Nea (New) Paphos refers to the area by the harbour (presently refereed to as Kato Paphos). New Paphos was founded by Nikokles, the last King of Paphos, towards the end of the 4th Century BC and soon exceeded Old Paphos in importance due to it becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Paphos. It was as the commercial and political centre and had a developed shipbuilding industry with timber from the large Paphos forest.

Kato Paphos has many opportunities for investment properties, holiday homes and permanent residences. It is ideal for those wishing to be close to the beaches, the harbour, shopping and also Paphos town. There is no need for a car when living in Kato Paphos as everything is close at hand.