Scratch the soil anywhere in Cyprus and you will find remnants of the island's turbulent history, testimony that its straegic position was coveted by every great power. Admire the spectacular scenery at the mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Explore the area's unique archaeological legacy at Marion or Palaipafos, both ancient city kingdoms in the Iron Age.

Once a Roman provincial capital, Pafos played a crucial role in the Empire. Admire the exquisite floor mosaics of the Roman villas depicting scences from mythology, arguably the best in the eastern Mediterranean and the impressive underground Tombs of the Kings nearby, carved out of solid rock and decorated with Doric pillars.

In addition to the wealth of outdoor sites, tour the priceless collection of artefacts displayed in the Pafos District Archaeological Museum where you can see objects spanning the history of one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean, including pottery, coins, tombstones and statues.

A distant outpost of the Byzantine Empire, Cyprus escaped the iconoclastic decrees and Byzantine art survived and flourished here. Marvel at the vivid wall paintings in the apses of medieval churches and especially those in the cave a hermit carved out of the mountain at the monastery of St Neophytos. Chrysorrogiatissa monastery has a collection of important Byzanine icons, some of them believed to work miracles, including one supposedly painted by St Luke. Many important figures influential in the spread of Christianity came from Cprus, which became known as the 'island of saints'. It was the first country in the world to come under Christian administration. See the St Pauls Pillars in Pafos where, legend has it, St Paul flogged when he visited the island together with St Barnabas.

Discover some fineChristian architectural masterpieces such as the Agia Paraskevi church at Geroskipou with its rare five-apse plan and admire the ruins of two early Christian basilicas at the church of Agios Georgios is Pegeia with its interesting mosaic floors and rock-hewn Roman tombs iverlooking the sea. Visit Agia Solomoni church, orginally a Christian catacomb. The sacred tree outside is believed to cure diseases. Visit the castle in opicturesque Pafos harbour. Orginally a Byzantine defensive construction, it was rebuilt by Franks destroyed by the Venetians and rebuilt by the Ottomans.

Today Pafos is a part of the island where you can still feel the magic of the goddess of beauty. Exult in the majestic landscapes and unspoiled coastlines untouched by time around the Akamas coastline. Explore the countryside inland and notice how elements of Byzantine architecture are reflected in the arches of traditional stone built village houses of the Laonas area.

Discover remote villages where old customs & traditions have been kept alive down the generations. Age old crafts continue to be made, such as traditional lace making and basket weaving, and potters still create anthropomorphic vessels. The grapevine is still cultivated and wine produced in a tradition that goes back 4000 years. Visit the Folk Art museum at Geroskipou for striking representation of Traditional Cypriot life.

Experience the modern version of the rituals connected wth the worship of Aphrodite in the 'Anthestiria', or spring flower festivals, and 'Kataklysmos', the Festival of the Flood, in June when participants plunge into the sea to commemorate the goddess' emergence from the waves. The Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus still plays an important role in society today, with its emphasis on customs that keep the family unit close knit. The many saints are all remembered with colourful village celebrations, or 'penagiria', in honour of one of their name days held almost on a weekly basis.