Hi, Let's take a look at the Tombs of Kings in Paphos, Cyprus as part of our winter sun break with Jet2holidays.
We flew with Jet2 from London Stansted direct to Paphos International Airport.
Included in the flight was a 20-minute transfer to our accommodation for this winter sun break, the 5-star Olympic Lagoon Resort.
and we were hosted by Jet2holidays.
So as part of our break, we decided to visit the nearby 'Tombs of Kings' which was just over couple of miles from our hotel.
So without further ado, let’s go explore.
The 'Tombs of Kings is also known as Kato Paphos necropolis, and that's probably more accurate because spoiler alert - no Kings were buried here.
It's not long before we are descending into our first tomb
and it is thought that the necropolis started in the third century BC.
With the final tombs added some six or seven centuries later.
These rooms would have looked similar to their homes, with the walls decorated with frescos.
These have been lost to time, but it's easy to see the money spent on the afterlife.
Our tour of the Tombs of Kings will also focus on the landscape that this ‘city of the dead' was built into.
That's right, these catacombs were built into the local rock, sometimes creating something rather special
as we'll find with Tomb Three a little later on.
So why the misleading name? Well the 'Tombs of Kings' derives its name from the grandeur of this burial site
last resting place of the rich, learned and nobles of old Paphos.
So how much does it cost? Our 2022 visit cost us €2.50 each. That's not bad value.
And as you can see, you are free to wander around as you wish.
There's not much preventing you from exploring, nor falling down a large hole at times. You just need to be sensible, but of course, you are.
As you may have noticed we are close to the shoreline, and you'll get views of the shipwreck of the M/V Demetrios II out to sea.
Keep an eye out for it. Drop us a comment at the end with how many times you saw it?
And here's a little clue - this is your first sighting.
So some of these chambers are a bit rustic at the start of the tour,
but believe me they do become a lot more impressive as we make our way around.
As I mentioned earlier, I find the landscape, geology and flora fascinating, just being able to explore the Tombs of Kings like this is so liberating.
You can see where the burial sites have been lost, and I wonder if there are more to be discovered.
And here's one of those holes I mentioned you can fall down.
Paphos's necropolis has been known for centuries, and may have had squatters in the middle ages.
What is known is that they have been plundered over time.
It wasn't until the 1870's that the first archaeological excavations began, and by 1915 the first excavations under scientific supervision.
Further explorations continue in the hope of learning more about the Hellenistic and early Roman periods of the Eastern Mediterranean.
How long should you plan your visit for?
Well, we had an amble around, exploring a fair bit, and it took us two hours, but we could have spent longer.
It's not a small endeavour, and the complex is spread out over a wide area.
And as you complete the loop, the tombs become a little bit more impressive.
Oh, another thing to mention, the only facilities are at the ticket hall at the beginning,
and make sure you keep yourself refreshed and hydrated in that Cypriot sun.
After a look at some of the more simple burial chambers, we start to notice things becoming a little more ornate.
I assume this lot would have been covered, and you would have stepped down into it, but who would have been buried here?
I'd love to understand those symbols? Leave us a comment if you do.
Now time to explore a little further.
I have to say that this was the perfect winter break for us, thanks to Jet2Holidays.
On this day in late February, the temperature was a very comfortable 21 degrees centigrade or early 70's Fahrenheit.
The ground below us seems to be a veritable Swiss cheese of catacombs, with each doorway leading to a number of chambers.
All carved out of the local rock over 1,500 years ago
Our wanderings have led us around in a circle, and we return to one of our earlier points, but this time we head off to the coastline.
There is a fenceline and footpath between the water and the western edge of the Tombs of Kings,
but the ground underneath you has turned very sandy nonetheless.
Here we find stacked stones and rocks, perhaps a symbol of peace and tranquillity.
It's from this viewpoint that, in the distance, we spot further catacombs, and the scale of this site is starting to dawn on us.
Rather than head that way, we decide to make our way inland slightly to where it's a little firmer underfoot.
It’s from here we get another surprise, and that is even more tombs laid out over this landscape.
I think we can now see how this necropolis expanded over the centuries.
We have now been able to descend to the level of the tombs, and are able to stroll among them.
Again, it's possible to step inside. It's access all areas for a reasonable €2.50.
I hope you like what we have brought you here, if you have, please give us a like, we would appreciate that.
And why not subscribe? I know it's a mixed bag, but there's always a touch of history & culture thrown in.
I think this view indicates how grand this would have looked back all those hundreds of years ago.
It really is hard to imagine a city of the dead, but that's what this would have been.
And have you noticed how the layout has changed as we enter more densely populated areas?
If I were to level a criticism at the site, it would be to provide better information or notice boards.
I only know a handful of the tombs we visited.
I know this is Tomb 5
At the entrance, it lists 8, but only a couple were clearly identified. It would have made putting together this video a little easier.
It's only a minor niggle, and probably won't spoil your day if you visit.
This could be Tomb 8, and boy, does it look impressive, but the best is still yet to come.
And this is Tomb 7, complete with it's Doric columns
I believe this is the remains of Tomb 6
But now we come to Tomb 3, and my favourite. Let's take a look and see if you agree.
So what do you think? Was it your favourite?
And this will be our final glimpse of the Tomb of Kings, it's time for me to say au revoir, thanks so much for watching.
Stay safe, stay well, and happy travels.