Cyprus holiday
14-21 July 2008
The House of Dionysos was a Roman villa, probably dating from the 3rd century
AD. The mosaic floors are considered among the finest in the Eastern
Mediterranean.
They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology. Here is Thisbe and Pyramos
The House is at Kato Paphos on the southwest coast of Cyprus, and was excavated
between 1962 and 1974. Part of it is now covered, but much is open to the
elements.
It was a private house of more than 40 rooms in what was a residential area of
the Roman town.
Located close to the House of Dionysus, the House of Theseus was built during
the second half of the 2nd century and remained in use until the 7th century AD.
It was a large villa consisting of more than 100 rooms and was the residence of
the governor of Cyprus
During a trip into the Troodos mountains, a stop was made at Kelefos Bridge, one
of several mediaeval Venetian bridges along this valley. Unlike in
our visit to Kelefos Bridge in
September 2007, there is no water to be seen at all - apparently the first
time in at least ten years that this has been the case.
We crossed the dry ford and then turned right onto the road to Milikouri.
Fortunately it was not a busy road.
Not what most people associate with Cyprus
A visit to the Kykkos monastery
Paintings and mosaics line the walls
and the ceilings
The church is very grand and ornate
A very quiet Melanda Beach - only two tables occupied today.
There are a few people in the sea, though.
A catamaran during a glass-bottom boat trip from Paphos
Swimming from the boat near Paphos airport
The boat returns to Paphos harbour
Inspecting the stadium at the ancient city of Curium
The Greco-Roman amphitheatre is impressive with a wonderful view of the
Mediterranean: preparations for a performance were just beginning
Contemplating the view
Nearby is the House of Eustolios, excavated in 1938. First built in the early
Roman period, it was extensively altered in the 3rd and 4th centuries.
The mosaics and views are wonderful
Remains of the underfloor heating
The whole is protected and shaded by a remarkable roof
Three swimmers in the pool at Kambos
Relaxing on the last evening
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