The royal tombs are one of the most famous places in Paphos. The name itself promises a meeting with the tombs of the great rulers. But what if everything is not so simple, and the kings have never been here? My friends and I came to this underground city to understand whose secrets he actually keeps.
City for the nobility, not kings
This grandiose necropolis is included in the UNESCO list. It was used from the 4th century BC to the III century A.D. It was not buried here. High -ranking officials found their peace - the Paphos aristocracy of the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Why are the tombs "royal"? They were called that because of their greatness. Architecture resembles tombs in Egyptian Alexandria. The monumentality of this place is truly royal.
Travel to the world of the dead
The territory of the necropolis is huge. These are not just graves, these are whole complexes carved in a rock. You go down the stone staircase and get into the underground courtyard with columns. From here they are entering the funeral cameras, where sarcophagi once stood.
In one of the tomb, making your way through a narrow secret screens, you feel like Indiana Jones. This secret move was to protect the tomb from robbers who were looking for coins and jewelry.
Ancient beliefs
People believed that the afterlife is like the earthly life. They tried to make a “home” for the soul comfortable. Coins are often found in burials. It was a fee to Haron for the transport of the soul across the Styx River. For this transition in the tombs, they even made special wells. They symbolized the connection of the two worlds.
Travelers' tips
Tombs on the map
Take two to three hours to inspect the park.
Pour comfortable closed shoes.
Be sure to take drinking water and a headdress with you.
The best time for a visit is morning or evening.
Despite the information on the maps, in the summer period the park is open to visitors until 19:30.
Text and photo: Ekaterina Andreevakanal in Telegram
