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Aphrodite Greek Goddess of
Love
Aphrodite Myths
The legend and myths of Aphrodite Greek goddess of love and beauty,
patron of Cyprus and also known as Venus in Roman mythology, are full of passion
and intrigue and still as strong as ever.
Birth of Aphrodite
According to Hesiodus, Kronos castrated his father Uranus and threw his genitals
into the sea.
A white foam appeared and the beautiful goddess emerged from the sea
at Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek) Aphrodite Rock in Pafos.
The name of the greek goddess Aphrodite comes from
the greek word afros which means foam.
Aphrodite Myths
The legend and cult of Aphrodite Greek Goddess of love and beauty linger on and the
nearby village of Kouklia (Palaipafos - Old Pafos) is where her
temple once stood and where now stands the church of Panagia Aphroditissa.
The ruins of the sanctuary date back to the 12th century BC and were a place of
worship until the 3rd/4th century AD. Excavations continue in and around the ruins of
the town and necropolis. There's also a museum in a nearby house which you
can visit from 9.00am - 4.00pm Tel: 26432180.
The village of 'Yeroskipos' was the Greek goddess's garden and
this is where she played and loved. It's also where pilgrims came to worship the
goddess with gifts of flowers and fruits. 'Yeroskipos' in Greek means Holy
Garden - 'yeros'= holy and 'kipos'= garden.
Aphrodite and Adonis
One of the lovers of the goddess was Adonis and legend has it that whilst out hunting
one day in the Akamas Peninsula Adonis stopped for a
drink of water. He saw the naked goddess bathing in a grotto surrounded by fig trees
and immediately fell in love with her and they became passionate lovers.
This area is also known as the 'playground' of the goddess and the famous 'Baths of
Aphrodite' are to be found between Polis and Cape Arnaout. For those wishing
to visit the baths during the summer the bus leaves from the town of Polis at 10.00am,
Noon and 3.00pm.
Akamas Peninsula - Playground of the Goddess Aphrodite
The nearby Akamas Peninsula is a lovely nature reserve and one of the
most beautiful areas of the island. There are narrow deep valleys, caves, beautiful
beaches and over 500 different types of plants. In Spring the Akamas is carpeted with
flora and fauna and one of the best locations for cycling, walking and hiking. Guided
trails leave from the Baths and include the Aphrodite Trail and
Adonis Trail.
On your way to Pafos you pass the Akrotiri British base which covers a large and
very beautiful area of the island. Nearby are Kolossi Castle,
Ancient Kourion and the Sanctuary of Apollo
(Apollon Ylatis - god of the woodland) and protector of Kourion. A little further on and
you come to Aphrodite Beach at Petra tou Romio, birthplace of
Aphrodite.
Don't forget, if you're driving from Lemesos (Limassol) to Pafos be sure to take the old
road and not the motorway, otherwise you'll miss all of this!
The festival of Aphrodite Greek Goddess of this lovely island was known as
Aphrodisia and her name lives on in the love potion we know today
as 'Aphrodisiac'.
Paphos
Akamas
Peninsula
Weddings in
Cyprus
Honeymoon in Cyprus
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Aphrodite Greek Goddess to Cyprus Travel Guide
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