Kolossi Castle

Next stop, Kolossi Castle, a former Crusader stronghold.

The original castle was built in 1210, this version in 1454

Archaeologists would have lots of fun around the castle. That's the old sugar mill to the rear, sugar being a big export in previous times.

The keep was visitable, with old fireplaces... 

...and the coat of arms of Louis de Magnac, the commander of Kolossi. 

We made it to the top, an excellent defensive spot... 

...and to the cellar, beautifully cool in the heat.

Back outside, a couple of archways, 

Just by the castle we spotted the old aquaduct... 

...not easy to get good photos though.

The area is also renowned for Commandaria, a sweet wine and one of the world's oldest named wine still in production.

Aphrodite's Rock & Episkopi

Our second excursion took us to the south of the island.

First stop, Aphrodite's Rock with my very own Aphrodite 

The legend goes that this was Aphrodite's birthplace

Someone's been busy making stone stacks...

...and we saw these three braving the stony beach and the cold water.

Onto the House of Eustolios at Episkopi

Evidence of underfloor heating...

...and beautiful mosaics...

...with a view over the sea.

Once again there were walkways above the excavations so as not to spoil them.

Nearby, the ancient Kourion amphitheatre, still used today with its excellent acoustics.

Here's a link to more details on the House of Eustolios https://cyprusdiscovery.com/house-of-eustolios-cyprus-roman-villa-mosaics/

Paphos Ethnographic Museum

On a return trip up the hill to Old Paphos we visited the Ethnographic Museum.

 

Situated right by a busy road it was wonderful to enjoy cooler temperatures. 

Based in a traditional Cypriot building there were many displays showing activities from other times.

Indoors was equally interesting; the library...

...and the dining room with piano.

The bedroom: that sheet should keep the mosquitos away!

Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos

The site is huge, situated right by the harbour. And the best bit? We got in for free, being of a certain age! 🤣🤣

On a boiling hot day this was a general view of the site...

...with the lighthouse as a backdrop.

The mosaic floors were in the House of Dionysus...

...named after the god and depicted in several rooms.

There are walkways all around to protect the mosaics, created around the 2nd/4th Centuries 

Moving on to the Forty Columns Fort.

Originally constructed in the late 7th Century to protect Paphos from Arab invasions...

...there have been many versions.

For us it felt great to be able to wander around and guess what everything used to be...

...some more obvious than others!

From there we walked to the Roman Odeon

The small amphitheatre was built in the 2nd Century...

...with some fine features still to be seen.

The amphitheatre was built for musical and dramatic events, and still used for such in modern times.

Old Paphos

We heard that there were celebrations for Greek Independence Day in Old Paphos, so on a very hot day we climbed up the hill.

The view was well worthwhile

The procession was long with representatives from local schools, colleges and groups.

It was great to see traditional dress...

...and traditional marching music.

Just by our viewing point, the Agios Kendeas Church

Walking back down we discovered the Church of Agia Sofia (now the Cami-i Kebir Mosque)...

...and a Hammam.

It didn't look to be in use these days...

...so this statue would have a long wait.