Imagine that you are walking around the ancient house. Under your feet is not just a floor, but a masterpiece of art. There are scenes from ancient myths, stories about gods and heroes. The archaeological park of Paphos gives just such a feeling. This is a huge open -air museum, UNESCO World Heritage Object.
Casual finding of global significance
The history of the park began with the farmer's plow. Breaking the field in 1962, he accidentally stumbled upon a mosaic. Thus began large -scale excavations that opened the ruins of luxurious villas to the world. They belonged to the noble residents of the ancient city of Paphos. The most famous villas: Dionysus's house, Orpheus House, Eon’s House, Villa Tesya. Their main treasure - mosaic floors - are considered one of the best in the Mediterranean.
Stone stories
Looking at these tiny pebbles, it is difficult to believe how many centuries they store stories. The oldest mosaic (III-IV centuries BC) tells of the beauty skill, which the envious turned into a marine monster. A mosaic with a peacock causes special admiration. For bright blue shades, the masters used pieces of colored glass. For those times it was a rare technology. Most likely, they were made in pathos, since the remains of glass production of about the same time were found in the city.
Not only mosaics
In the vast territory of the park there are other iconic objects. Here is the ancient Odoron - the amphitheater of the II century, carved in the rock. It is even periodically used for theatrical productions today. Next to the clothing, the ruins of the ancient hospital are visible - Asklepion. On the outskirts of the park, a lighthouse of the times of British government rises. The ruins of the fortress of Saranda Colones (forty columns) are a little at a distance. A powerful earthquake of 1222 destroyed it to the base.
Travelers' tips
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.
Park on the map.
Despite the information on the maps, in the summer period the park is open to visitors until 19:30.
Material and photo was prepared by Ekaterina Andreevakanal in Telegram
