District museum of finds from Neolithic to Ottoman times, with Hellenistic and Roman sculpture, pottery and coins from Paphos and Palaepaphos.
The Paphos District Archaeological Museum stands at Griva Digeni 43 in Ktima, the upper old town of Paphos on the southwest coast of Cyprus. It is the main museum for finds from the Paphos district and covers a span from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, the Classical and Hellenistic eras, Roman times, and the Byzantine and medieval periods up to Ottoman rule. Many objects came from excavations at Nea Paphos, Palaepaphos at Kouklia, and other nearby sites.
The collection is arranged in several rooms in broadly chronological order. Visitors see early stone tools and figurines, painted pottery, bronze and copper objects, and terracotta votive figures. Hellenistic and Roman sections include marble sculpture, inscriptions, glass vessels, jewellery and coins, among them pieces linked to the cult of Aphrodite. The museum is modest in size compared with the national museum in Nicosia, which makes it manageable for a short visit, and labels help explain how Paphos grew from a Bronze Age settlement into a Roman provincial capital.
Most visitors need 45 to 75 minutes. The museum is hours-limited, usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 16:30, and closed on Mondays and public holidays, so confirming before a trip is important. Entry is reported to be free, but visitors should check at the door. Weekday mornings are quiet, and the museum is rarely crowded, unlike the nearby archaeological park. Photography rules vary by room, and flash is not allowed, so it is best to ask staff.
The museum is a 12-minute walk from the centre of Ktima and about a ten-minute taxi or urban bus ride from Kato Paphos. It pairs well with the Ethnographical Museum and a stroll around the old town, and it gives helpful context before or after seeing the Roman mosaics and tombs.
| Admission | Free (reported; confirm at the door) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-16:30; closed Monday and public holidays; confirm hours |
| Typical visit | 45-75 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Getting there | Urban bus or 10-minute taxi from Kato Paphos; 12-minute walk from Ktima centre |
| Address | Griva Digeni 43, 8047 Paphos |
Location
Griva Digeni 43, 8047 Paphos
34.7737, 32.4280 View on map
Highlights
- Finds from Neolithic to Ottoman times from Paphos and Palaepaphos
- Hellenistic and Roman sculpture, pottery and coins
- Bronze Age figurines and votive objects linked to Aphrodite
- Quiet galleries in Ktima, away from the main tourist routes
Tips for visiting
- Check hours before visiting; it is closed on Mondays and public holidays
- Go on a weekday morning for the quietest galleries
- Entry is reported free; confirm at the door
- Pair with the Ethnographical Museum and Ktima old town
- Visit before the archaeological park for context
When to visit
Weekday mornings, when galleries are quietest. Any time of year works, and it is a good option on hot or rainy days.
Accessibility
The museum is a small modern building with galleries on one level in most areas. Wheelchair access is generally possible, but visitors should confirm at the door.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Usually 45 to 75 minutes.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children interested in history may enjoy the coins and sculpture. The museum is small, so it suits a short visit.
Is photography allowed?
Rules vary by gallery, and flash is generally not allowed. Visitors should ask the staff.
What days is it open?
Reported hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:30, closed Monday and public holidays. Confirm before visiting.