Sanctuary of Aphrodite Paphia

Although the origins of the cult at Palaipaphos are unclear (in addition to information about the early history of Palaipaphos itself), there is evidence of cult practices dating back to the Bronze Age. Very little remains of the original sanctuary today due to an earthquake and reconstruction in the Roman Period, but due to continuous votive deposits it can be assumed that it most likely existed during the Archaic and Classical periods as well. This site was one of the best-known sanctuaries devoted to the goddess Aphrodite and, although not much of the original structure remains, it is described as an important center of worship in several different literary accounts and many travelers made pilgrimages to see the famous aniconic rock representation of Aphrodite. The Sanctuary itself is built in the style of a Near-Eastern temple style with an open court, and religious scholars have connected the practices common on this site to religious traditions in the Near East.