Ancient temples, rock-cut tombs and Roman villas with elaborate mosaic floors all reflect the highly sophisticated societies which inhabited Paphos in the past. With a history dating back more than eight thousand years, the town offers a wealth of treasures to the visitor.

From the Stone Age, through Hellenistic and Roman times to the Byzantine era, many of Pafos’ ancient monuments are included in UNESCO’s Global Heritage List.

The House of Dionysos

The mosaic floors depicting mythological scenes are the main characteristics of this restored Roman villa, dating back to the second century A.D. The house is named “House of Dionysos” thanks to the many depictions of Dionysos, the god of wine. The house most probably belonged to a member of the ruling Roman class or to a wealthy citizen of Pafos.

The House of Theseus

The House of Theseus lies close to the House of Dionysus and also dates back to the second century A.D. The mosaics in this villa feature interesting geometrical patterns as well as mythological representations. Noteworthy are the mosaics of “Theseus killing the Minotaur” and the “Birth of Achilles”.

The House of Aion

The mosaics in the House of Aion date to the fourth century A.D and lie close to the mosaics of Dionysus and Theseus. Five mythological scenes worth seeing are: “The bath of Dionysus”, “Leda and the Swan”, “Beauty contest between Cassiopeia and the Nereids”, “Apollo and Marsyas”, and the “Triumphant procession of Dionysus”.

The House of Orpheus

The floors of this villa belong to the third century A.D and lie to the west of the House of Theseus. Three notable mosaic depictions of mythology here are “Orpheus and his Lyre”, “Hercules and the Lion of Nemea” and “the Amazon”.

The House of Four Seasons

This house lies to the north of the House of Orpheus. It was named after the mosaic that represents the personification of the four seasons, which dates back to the first half of the third century A.D.