The legend of the birth of Aphrodite tells that the goddess of love and beauty was born from the sea foam off the shores of Cyprus and made the island her home. You will find her traces at the rock formation of Petra tou Romiou and in Paphos.
The island of Cyprus holds a fascinating legend about the birth of the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. According to it, Aphrodite was not born from a mother’s womb but from the sea foam. Cronus, the god of time, castrated his father Uranus and threw his manhood into the sea. From the drops of his blood and seed, mixed with the sea foam, the enchanting goddess was born – fully grown and immensely beautiful, she rose from the sea on the shore of Cyprus near Paphos, wrapped in a mother-of-pearl shell.
The place where Aphrodite touched the land changed for ever. Flowers bloomed around her and the air filled with an intoxicating scent. The legend says that Aphrodite fell in love with Cyprus and made it her home.
Of love and beauty
The Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the mosaics in Paphos
A romantic cove with a rock
The romantic beach of Petra tou Romiou is completed by a rock formation also known as the “Rock of the Roman”. According to the legend, it was right here that the goddess rose from the sea.
The town of Paphos on the west coast is known as Aphrodite’s birthplace, and you will find many sights dedicated to the goddess there. Visitors can admire the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the archaeological site with the ruins of the ancient city and mosaics depicting the goddess.
Stop here on the way between Paphos and Limassol.
Petra tou Romiou and Paphos both lie in the south-west of the island – they are closest from Paphos and Limassol.
From the sea foam off the shores of Cyprus, at the rock formation of Petra tou Romiou near Paphos.
The rock formation is also known as the “Rock of the Roman”.
In Paphos – the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the archaeological site and mosaics depicting the goddess.
It is known as her birthplace, and there are many sights dedicated to her here.
Whatever the truth may be, Cyprus remains a magical island, bound up with the legend of Aphrodite.
