The island of Cyprus has three of the eight hundred and sixty nine cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites which have been designated worldwide. One of Cyprus's World Heritage sites is the Tombs of the Kings, the ancient necropolis of Paphos which is situated on the outskirts of Kato Paphos in Southern Cyprus
The History of the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
The Tombs of the Kings is the ancient necropolis of the town of Paphos in Southern Cyprus.
The many tombs which have been cut out of the soft rock are an impressive sight. Several of the most impressive tombs have steps descending to a sunken courtyard surrounded with doric style columns.
Despite the name there is no evidence that the site of the necropolis of the Tomb of The Kings was used for royal burials. It is apparent when visiting the site that the tombs towards the centre of the site were those of the wealthy and are ornately created. Whereas those towards the periphery of the site appear to be more roughly hewn from the rock.
The necropolis was in use in Hellenistic and Roman times (from 3 BC to 3 AD) and later during early Christian times the area was used as a place of refuge
Many excavations of the site were carried out in the 1940's but unfortunately much of the evidence was lost. It is thought however that much of the site still lies underground and further more careful excavations and investigations are ongoing.
Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tomb of the Kings
The world heritage site of the Tomb of the Kings currently cost 1.70 Euro for adults to visit. Accompanied children are free. The site is open daily from around 8am depending on the season.
It is best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid both the heat of the day and the tour groups, especially in the summer months.
The visitor should take some water with them as there is none for sale at the site and there is little shade.
Ample free car parking is available and the site is easy to reach by local bus.
Modern clean toilets are situated by the entrance.
Further information about UNESCO World Heritage sites
The UNESCO World Heritage Website provides listing and information on all eight hundred and sixty nine World Heritage Sites
Information for this article has been taken from
The Tombs of the Kings by Maria Hadjisavva (Booklet sold at the Tomb of the Kings Site)
Paphos, Land of Aphropdite Renos G Lavithis Interworld Publication 4th Edition 1990
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