Archaeological Site of Lempa

People were living on Cyprus well before the Cult of Aphrodite appeared. Our knowledge about them is based on the archaeological findings of these early periods, including pots, tools, figurines and architectural remains. One of the fascinating early sites is the settlement at Lempa, situated in the route heading from Kato Pafos to the ‘Baths of Aphrodite’.

Constructed replicas of houses dating back to the Chalcolithic period (3900-2500BC). – © Michael Turtle

Architectural remains dating back to the Chalcolithic period (3900-2500BC) and constructed replicas. – © Michael Turtle

Architectural remains dating back to the Chalcolithic period (3900-2500BC). – © Michael Turtle

The rebuilt houses are intentionally abandoned to study how long it takes for them to get damaged and collapse. – © Michael Turtle

Constructed replica of a house dating back to the Chalcolithic period (3900-2500BC). – © CTO Archive

Architectural remains dating back to the Chalcolithic period (3900-2500BC) and constructed replicas. – © CTO Archive

Constructed replicas of houses dating back to the Chalcolithic period (3900-2500BC). – © Michael Turtle

The architectural remains of the houses excavated here date to the Chalcolithic period (3900-2500 BC), while archaeologists have also constructed replicas of these houses, using the same materials, on an experimental basis.

One of the most exciting discoveries at the archaeological site of Lempa is a stone figurine resembling a woman with a phallic-shaped head. One popular theory is that this is the symbol of a fertility goddess that was the basis for the creation of the Cult of Aphrodite centuries later.

Entry to the archaeological site of Lempa is free and it only takes a short time to see the excavations and replica houses. There are some information signs with background information about the settlement and the findings. It may make sense for you to have a stop at Lempa on the way to the ‘Baths of Aphrodite’.

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