Tombs of the Kings
Tombs of the Kings is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Paphos audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~75 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~75 min
- Paphos Paphos guide
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About Tombs of the Kings
A vast rock-cut necropolis by the sea, where the nobles of ancient Paphos were buried from the fourth century BC in grand underground tombs with sunken courtyards ringed by columns carved from the living rock.
The Tombs of the Kings are a great necropolis on the coast about two kilometres north of Paphos harbour, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the name, no kings were buried here; the title comes from the sheer grandeur of the tombs, which served the aristocrats and high officials of Nea Paphos from the fourth century BC into the Roman period. They are cut deep into the native rock, some imitating the houses of the living.
The finest are sunken courtyards hewn out of the rock and ringed by Doric columns left standing from the stone itself, with burial chambers opening off the sides and stairways descending into the earth. Grave goods were long ago lost to tomb robbers and the sea air, but the great carved courts endure, a hauntingly beautiful place to wander by the Mediterranean.
Did you know? Despite the name, no kings were buried here; the title comes from the grandeur of the tombs, which served the aristocrats and officials of Nea Paphos from the fourth century BC.
How long should you spend at Tombs of the Kings?
Plan about ~75 min at Tombs of the Kings. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Tombs of the Kings worth visiting?
Tombs of the Kings is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Paphos, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Paphos
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Tombs of the Kings and read more:
Day 1 of the Paphos in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Tombs of the Kings
Preview the Paphos tour free in the Gingerguide app.