Saturday, April 27th, Arso, Cyprus

Greetings!

After breakfast at the hotel, we drove to the Nea Paphos district of the city, and walked the Paphos Archeological Park,   The park is filled with large houses (the house of Thesus is 120 meters by 80 meters) with mosaic floors which are detailed and colorful, depicting mythical scenes.  The work excavating the site began in 1965, and continues today by Polish universities in Warsaw and Krakow. 

Though some sections of houses are covered, the majority are open with walkways rising above the rooms to better observe the floors.  

Begun by Nicocles in the 4th century BC,  the building accelerated 150 years later when the Ptolomies moved the capital of Cyprus from Salamis to Paphos.   For six hundred years, additions reflected late Helenistic and then Roman architectural and thematic influences.

Our main task today was to drive to our next night's stay in Arso in the Troodos Mountains inland.  But first, we wanted to visit a small popular village also in the hills (Omodos).  Known for its wine festival, monastery, weavers, and many restaurants, we killed several hours enjoying a couple of great tuna salads and smoothies while watching lots of tourists and cats. 

We drove the very narrow and winding streets from Omodos to Arso, and located our reserved night stay,  With parking at a premium, and Google Maps only marginal, it was a definite adventure.

To see all of the photos taken today, click on Saturday, April 27th, Arso, Cyprus.