- Address: Agias Galatianis, Paphos, Cyprus
- Phone: +357 26306217
- Website: visitpafos.org.cy
- Ticket price: € 4,5
Some of the most famous antique mosaics are located in the villa of Dionysus in Paphos in Cyprus . Of course, in those early times, when the villa was a richly decorated house of an aristocrat, and not the remains of the mansion, she wore another name. "The House of Dionysus" she was named later because of one of the most beautiful mosaics found there.
A bit of history
The villa was built in the II century near one of the most popular resorts in Cyprus . To exist it was destined only a few centuries. A powerful earthquake in the IV. Destroyed Paphos to the ground, and together with the city and all of its magnificent villas. The mansion was discovered quite accidentally in 1962, when the land was prepared for the construction of a house. An unexpected discovery was the occasion for careful excavations, as a result of which a great number of antique mosaics were discovered.
In addition, it became clear that in those days the villa had several floors and occupied approximately 2 thousand square meters. The house had many rooms for different purposes: an office, bedrooms, a room where meetings were held, kitchens and others. In total there are more than forty rooms. There was a swimming pool here. And although the villa was badly damaged during the earthquake, its luxury and splendor is visible even now. Preserved and brilliant mosaics, which are of great value for scientists and us, ordinary people.
At the moment the house of Dionysus is part of the Archaeological Park.
Mosaics and household objects of the House of Dionysus
The most famous mosaic of the villa, gave the name to this house - "Triumph of Dionysus." It depicts Dionysus himself in a chariot. In addition to it, the composition of the mosaic includes Satyr, Pan (they were considered a suite of the god of winemaking) and other characters. Another mosaic, "Ganymede and the Eagle," illustrates the myth of the son of King Tros, abducted by Zeus. Zeus is depicted in the form of an eagle, which is kept in the clutches of Ganymede. Another mosaic, Scylla, is slightly older than the first two. It was found under the floor of the villa. It depicts a sea monster with canine heads and dragon tails.
All the mosaics found are now under a special roof, which protects them from inclement weather and sunlight. In addition to them, during excavations, many objects of everyday life, also of great scientific interest, were found. These include: jewelry, coins, kitchen utensils and other artifacts.
How to get there?
To reach the archaeological park, in which the house of Dionysus is located, you can use public transport - for example, by bus number 615.
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