Description of the attraction
Not far from the harbor of Paphos is one of the most grandiose ancient structures not only of this city, but of the whole of Cyprus - the Royal Tombs. These tombs were carved into the rocks of the famous Fabrika Hill during the Ptolemaic era specifically for the burial of the aristocracy and the highest ranks of the island. This necropolis was also used during the time of the Romans. To be more precise, this necropolis began to be built back in the 3rd century BC, and burials there continued until the 3rd century AD.
Although the tombs are called Royal, in fact, not a single king was buried there. It's just that the structure looks so majestic and magnificent that it seems as if it was really created for the burial of royalty. Some tombs look more like small palaces with spacious columned halls. The walls of some of these "rooms" are decorated with paintings, frescoes and stone carvings. Some resemble living quarters containing furniture and art. In general, the Royal Tombs are an extensive system of corridors, "courtyards" and the tombs themselves, of which there are more than a hundred. At one time, the necropolis was even used by Christians as a refuge, where they hid from persecution.
Gradually, the tombs, which contained many valuables, were looted.
Excavations there began in the middle of the last century - increased interest in them flared up in the 70s. And they continue to this day. During this period, many interesting things were found there, thanks to which it was possible to learn much more about the customs and rituals of people who once lived on this earth.
