Let’s go see ancient ruins! Introducing all the World Heritage Sites in Cyprus!

Cyprus, an island floating in the Mediterranean Sea. Though small, this country has an ancient history, is blessed with great natural beauty, and boasts three UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites that attract visitors from all over the world. Located south of Turkey, Cyprus has long served as a crossroads of peoples and cultures traveling across the Mediterranean, making it a land steeped in history. From ancient ruins in legendary cities to churches and monasteries adorned with beautiful frescoes, and even Neolithic sites—here are the World Heritage Sites of Cyprus.

1. Paphos

The city of Paphos, on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, is an ancient city filled with legends. Its archaeological remains are registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, was born from sea foam. It is said that she descended upon Cyprus and has protected the island ever since. In Paphos, a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built, making it a sacred place for her followers.

There is the grand “House of Theseus” built in the 2nd century, the “House of Dionysus,” and the Paphos Castle, a fortress constructed by the Franks in the 13th century. Other attractions include the Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa Church, founded in the 4th century. Paphos is truly a town full of ancient ruins and a must-see World Heritage site.

2. Painted Churches in the Troodos Region

In the Troodos Mountains lie a number of churches and monasteries of the Greek Orthodox faith, adorned with exquisite frescoes—the “Painted Churches of the Troodos Region.” They were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1985. These churches and monasteries were built between the 11th and 16th centuries.

The Byzantine style, a form of art that developed in the Eastern Roman Empire from the 5th to the 15th century, can be seen in the frescoes decorating the walls and ceilings of these churches and monasteries. Visiting the World Heritage–listed Painted Churches of the Troodos Region is a wonderful way to experience ancient art and history.

3. Choirokoitia

Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1998. Remarkably, the ruins—dating back to the prehistoric era before humans began using writing, around 7000 BCE to 4000 BCE—remain in an excellent state of preservation.

Located about six kilometers from the sea, on a hill in the Maroni River valley, Choirokoitia was home to people who lived off farming and livestock herding. The site was discovered in 1934 by Porphyrios Dikaios, the head of Cyprus’s Department of Antiquities, who carried out six excavations between 1934 and 1946. Thanks to the discovery of this World Heritage Site, we’ve been able to learn much about how prehistoric people lived.

◎ Summary

Cyprus is home to many ancient ruins that can’t be seen anywhere else. Every World Heritage–listed site here is fascinating in its own right. Visitors from all around the globe come to witness these treasures. A journey that immerses you in the island’s deep history and art is truly worth the experience.