House of Dionysus — Attraction in Paphos Municipality

House of Dionysos It is a luxurious Roman residence, built at the end of the second cent. A.D. and destroyed in the first half of the fourth cent. A.D., probably due to earthquakes. Mosaic floors occupy more than one-fourth of the building (556 m2). Many mosaics depict scenes related to the worship of the god Dionysus. Among the most important:

1. „Scylla” mosaic IV/III B.C. The mythical sea monster is part woman, part fish, and part dog. Scylla holds a ship mast and a trident

2. „The Four Seasons” mosaic II/III A.D. Central panel - probably Dionysos, Aion, or the genius of the Year In the four corners, the personifications of the Four Seasons. Summer and Spring are represented in the upper corners, while Winter and Fall are in the lower corners.

3. “Phaedra and Hippolytos” mosaic II/III A.D. Hippolytos is shown on the left, accompanied by his dog. He looks embarrassed while reading Phaedra’s -his stepmother’s love letter. Phaedra is depicted on the right, awaiting the young man’s reaction. The burning torch that Cupid directs towards her heart.

4. “Pyramus and Thisbe mosaic II/III A.D. The mythological love story. Instead of Thisbe’s lover, there is a portrait of the river-god Pyramus. Thisbe is located to the left, while to the far back, a tiger is holding Thisbe’s blooded veil in his mouth.

5. “lcarios and Dionysos, mosaic II/III A.D. Dionysos and the half-naked Acme are depicted to the left of the panel. in the centre, lcarios is seen holding the reins of a double-wheeled cart filled with sacks of wine. Further, shepherds in a state of inebriation are shown as “the First Wine Drinkers”.

6. “Poseidon and Amymone” and an Eros between them. Mosaic II/III A.D.

7. Apollo and Daphne” mosaics II/III A.D. Mythological love transformation of Daphne into a laurel tree by her father Peneus.

8. „Hunting scene” II/III. A.D. A hunter is facing a leopard—scenes with a tiger, a bear, and a...

The mosaic pavements of the House of Dionysus, and the surrounding mosaic houses, are among the finest to be found in the Mediterranean and are the top tourist attraction in Paphos. They are part of the larger Paphos Archaeological Site, which spans the western side of the harbor.

Discovered accidentally by a farmer ploughing his fields, the mosaic artwork here is excellently preserved, depicting scenes from Greek mythology using vibrant natural limestone colors.

One of the most well-known mosaics is found at the back of the house, depicting a Ganymede being taken back to Olympus by an eagle. The most famous mosaic though, is the scene depicting the triumph of Dionysos with the God in a chariot drawn by leopards, while behind him are a gathering of followers engaged in various revelries.

In this house, look to the top left for a depiction of Leda and Zeus in the form of a swan. The top right panel shows Dionysos as a baby, accompanied by various nymphs, and the middle panel depicts a beauty contest between sea nymphs of which Aion is the judge. The final picture shows Apollo punishing a foolish man who had challenged the God to a musical...

Visiting the House of Dionysus in the Paphos Archaeological Park was a truly captivating experience. This grand Roman villa, offers an insight into the opulence and culture of ancient Paphos.

The floor mosaics and artistic embellishments throughout the house are breathtaking, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of its inhabitants. Each room tells a unique story, providing visitors with a glimpse into Roman life and beliefs.

One of the highlights of the house is the mosaic depicting Dionysus riding a panther, a true masterpiece of Roman art. The house's layout, with rooms surrounding a central courtyard, is typical of Hellenistic architecture and adds to its charm.

Despite being built around the end of the 2nd century AD, the house was unfortunately destroyed by earthquakes in the early 4th century. However, what remains is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Roman craftsmen.

Walking through the House of Dionysus, I couldn't help but be amazed by the intricate details and rich history that...