This impressive collection of floor mosaics is part of the Nea Pafos archaeological site and was unearthed by accident in 1962. They are now one of Pafos's most popular attractions. They were laid down in the Roman period in the 2nd century AD in the homes of wealthy local dignitaries. The House of Dionysos is the largest (34 rooms) and has the best known mosaics, notably panels depicting the four seasons, the wine god Dionysis and Pyramos and Thisbe. Other houses have excellent mosaics and most can be viewed from overhead wooden gantries. Many mosaics are remarkably well preserved and the ticket office has an excellent guidebook. The entrance well marked is off the pedestrian waterfront at Pafos harbour with a large car park outside.
Wooden overhead gantries allow visitors to get close to the mosaics without causing damage. Large sheds have been built over the best of them such as those in the House of Dionysos.
The few remaining columns show the area was once covered in the large houses of the wealthy. Much of the city's wealth was founded on timber for shipbuilding and the island's proximity to Alexandria
There is interest to be had from other excavations apart from the many mosaics
The House of Orpheus includes a large mosaic of Orpheus surrounded by beasts. The inscription that runs along the top reads TITUS RESTITUTUS MADE IT
The House of Dionysus has the most and the best mosaics. There are more than 30 throughout the house. This one in Room 3 depicts the four seasons, though much of it has been badly damaged
Room 14 in the House of Dioynsos has four rows of four panels each with a geometric pattern. All the patterns were well known and widely used in Roman times and common in France
Room 16 in the House of Dionysos has many panels depicting scenes, notably this one of Pyramos and Thisbe. Their story is similar to Romeo and Juliet. Here Thisbe is seen in panic at the sight of a leopard
In the House of Theseus is a fine circular mosaic showing the Athenian hero slaying a minotaur. The labrinthe is represented by a splendid circular frame of simple geometric patterns
In the House of Dionysos a long portico runs around the central courtyard with mosaics of wild animals. This, in the southern portico, show a leaping tiger. Others have gazelle, leopard, bear, donkey, lion and hunting dogs
In one of the outlying houses is this beautiful geometric 'carpet' mosaic