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Tombs of the Kings - Paphos
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- Name
- Tombs of the Kings - Paphos
- Continent
- MIDDLE-EAST
- Alt Name:
- Tafi Ton Vasileon
- Country:
- Cyprus
- Period:
- Ancient Greece
- Sub-Region:
- -
- Date:
- 300BC - 201BC
- City/Town:
- Paphos
- Figure:
- -
- Resorts:
- Paphos,
- Related:
- Kourion, Nea Pafos,
Palaipafos, Paphos Castle,
about Tombs of the Kings - Paphos
The Tombs of the Kings is a Hellenistic necropolis in Paphos in Cyprus containing a series of eight well-preserved tombs.
Given that the Tombs of the Kings is a third century BC site and the monarchy was abolished in 312 BC, the name is somewhat of a misnomer, but this does not detract from the visitor’s experience. In fact, the name is said to derive from the impressive nature of the site.
Built for nearby Nea Pafos, the Tombs of the Kings was the cemetery to the elite, including prominent figures and high ranking officials. It continued to be used throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods up to the fourth century, possibly even by early Christians. However, as with many sites of this kind, the Tomb of the Kings was subject to looting and used to quarry materials. Furthermore, in medieval times, the Tomb of the Kings was damaged by squatters, some of whom apparently made changes to the tombs.
Nevertheless, it is well worth visiting the Tomb of the Kings. The tombs are actually quite unusual for the area, being more Macedonian in architecture than to local styles.
Visitors can wander down into the depth of these, mostly subterranean, rock tombs and view the atriums which still survive. The architecture of these tombs is quite impressive, some seeming more like houses than burial places. Sadly, very few of the frescoes which would once have adorned them survive, but you can see fragments here and there. What can still be seen are the structures of the tombs, their columns and porticos.
It is worth noting that the whole of Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Just as empires rise and fall so do entry fees and opening hours! While we work as hard as we can to ensure the information provided here about Tombs of the Kings - Paphos is as accurate as possible, the changing nature of certain elements mean we can't absolutely guarantee that these details won't become a thing of the past. If you know of any information on this page that needs updating you can add a comment above or now.
contact details
Address: Tombs of the Kings Ave, Paphos, Cyprus
Phone: 26306295
useful information
Directions:
The Tombs of the Kings is located in the northwest of Paphos in Cyprus.
Ticket Information:
The Tombs of the Kings is open daily 8am-5pm (to 6pm April-May
Links:
http://www.mcw.gov.cy/mcw/DA/DA.nsf/All/238DE8D409BF6077C225719B0039F785?OpenDocument
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/79/
Historvius is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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