The ruins of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Kouklia, a short drive from the centre of Pafos.

Aphrodite Cultural Route

Walk in the footsteps of a goddess as you follow the Aphrodite Cultural Route through Cyprus.

Aphrodite's Cultural Route map – © Cyprus Tourism Organisation

A statue of Aphrodite at the Cyprus Museum in the capital, Lefkosia (Nicosia). – © Michael Turtle

The Cyprus Museum at Lefkosia (Nicosia) has a large collection of relics related to the development of Aphrodite on the island. – © Michael Turtle

Part of the original temple of the Cult of Aphrodite, which was used by ancient people in Cyprus before it was dedicated to the Goddess of Love. – © Michael Turtle

The Sanctuary of Aphrodite has remains of temples dating back to the 12th century BC and was still an active place of worship until the 4th century AD. – © Michael Turtle

Baths of Aphrodite, the grotto, spring, and waterfall where bathers come to hope for romance. – © CTO Archive

Aphrodite's Cultural Route map – © Cyprus Tourism Organisation

The Aphrodite Cultural Route connects the archaeological sites dedicated to the ancient cult of Aphrodite, with particular focus on the World Heritage site at Pafos, the ancient city kingdom of Amathous in the Lemesos (Limassol) region, and Kition in the Larnaka region.

Seeing the different sites allows you to explore the layers of history and mythology of Aphrodite, as well as the rituals and other elements connected with her cult, such as plants and seashells.

The Local Archaeological Museum of Marion Arsinoe (Polis Chrysochous), near the Baths of Aphrodite, is a part of the Aphrodite Cultural Route – © Michael Turtle

If you are interested in going even further afield, the route also has suggestions for secondary sites where there are artefacts and connections to the story of Aphrodite, including the excellent Cyprus Museum in the country's capital, Lefkosia (Nicosia), or the Local Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe (Polis Chrysochous) near the 'Baths of Aphrodite'.

The Cyprus Museum in Lefkosia (Nicosia) traces the evolution of religion and, specifically, Aphrodite on the island over thousands of years. – © Michael Turtle

The myth of Aphrodite was not created thousands of years ago in isolation. It was an evolution of worship that probably began with the idea of a female deity, focusing on fertility, that protected the whole island of Cyprus. To truly understand the story of the Goddess of Love, it helps to see the figurines and iconography from different periods.

Learn more about the Aphrodite Cultural Routes.

Downloads

Aphrodite’s Cultural Route brochure (6mb)