The Mosaics of Paphos (Cyprus)

The ‘Mosaics of Paphos’ are part of the archaeological site of Nea Paphos (also known as Kato Paphos archaeological park).

If you are a history enthusiast, the famous mosaics of Paphos are a must-see attraction; as it’s one of the highlights of the archaeological park.

Why visit the mosaics?

Because you will witness the rich history of Cyprus and become part of the era when people were paying lots of money to decorate their houses with mosaics in order to show their social status.

What will you witness?

The famous mosaics of Paphos!

The mosaics are in a remarkable condition (considering how old they are), they are extremely rare and are considered among the finest specimens in the world; that’s why they are an UNESCO World Heritage site.

(Actually the whole archaeological site of Nea Paphos is an UNESCO World Heritage site).

For more information on the mosaics click the links below to guide you through the article.

Quick links:

About The Mosaics of Paphos
Pictures of The Mosaics of Paphos

About The Mosaics of Paphos

The mosaics of Paphos were discovered in 1962 by accident!

A farmer who was ploughing his field accidentally unearthed one of them.

There are more than 100 mosaic floors and the Department of Antiquities in Cyprus try to conserve and maintain all of them. That’s why there are mosaic floors sheltered for protection like those of the House of Dionysos.

The mosaics decorated the floors of the houses of rich Romans more than 2000 years ago; that’s why they are one of the highlights of the archaeological site.

The four well-preserved Roman villas – which were owned by four Roman noblemen – and have the most impressive mosaic floors that are the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean are...

the House of Dionysos
the House of Theseus
the House of Aion and
the House of Orpheus

Their mosaic floors depict various scenes from Greek Mythology, scenes of daily life and portraits of important figures.

House of Dionysos

The House of Dionysos is a well-preserved Roman villa in the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos. This villa dates from the 2nd to the 5th centuries AD – like the rest of the Roman villas in the archaeological park (i.e. House of Theseus, House of Aion and House of Orpheus).

Its mosaic floor is decorated with mythological and hunting scenes.

House of Theseus

The House of Theseus is another well-preserved Roman villa that dates from the 2nd to the 5th centuries AD.

This villa took its name by the oldest mosaic of the Ancient Greek hero Theseus. There are, also, newer mosaics that depict Amphitrite, Achilles’ first bath and Poseidon.

House of Aion

The House of Aion also dates from the 2nd to the 5th centuries AD. It’s a well-preserved Roman villa that has the most beautiful mosaics of five figural panels. They depict Leda and the Swan, Cassiopeia and Nereids, the newborn Dionysos, the Triumph of Dionysos and Apollon and Marsyas.

House of Orpheus

The House of Orpheus, another well-preserved Roman villa that dates from the 2nd to the 5th centuries AD, has some spectacular mosaic floors depicting an Amazon with her horse, Hercules and the Lion of Nemea and Orpheus among the beasts.