In the area where today the village Kouklia is found, in the district of Paphos, the ancient town with the name “Palaipaphos” was built. On a hill that dominated the area with a smooth view on the Mediterranean sea, the biggest and most fine Temple dedicated to the Cypriot Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite was found.
The adoration for the Goddess lasted about 1600 years. It did not even stop when in the 12th century, a Christian Church dedicated to Our Lady was built on the ruins of the Goddess’ Temple. Worshippers called it the “church of Panagia Aphroditissas” (Our Lady Aphrodite) until recently. This changed later on and it was called “ Panagia Chrysopolitissa” or “Panagia Katholiki”.
The construction is a mix of different styles, since during the 8 centuries of its existence it was transformed and extended various times. It is built of stone coming from the ruins of the adjacent Temple of Aphrodite, and on sliced columns there are Roman inscriptions.
The Church of Panagia Katholikis is the only construction that you can visit in Palaipaphos without paying an entrance fee to the Department of Antiquities. In order to visit the Temple of Aphrodite you will have to pay a fee of 4,50 euros.
The archaeological site is closed at celebrations and public holidays. This means that the days that any employee could visit the historical sites of his country, despite the fact that they should pay to see them, they are closed.
