Petra tou Romiou, "Πέτρα του Ρωμιού" Cyprus!

During the holiday break in December, I visited my home country Cyprus. On my way from Nicosia(home city) to Pafos I made a stop along the highway at the famous Petra tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek), also known as Aphrodite’s Rock. The combination of the beauty of the area and its status in mythology as the birthplace of Aphrodite makes it a popular tourist location.

Cyprus is renowned as the island of beauty and Petra tou Romiou is definitely worth a visit. According to ancient legend and mythology, this is the place of birth of the Greek goddess of love and the mythology has been told by various Greek mythology storytellers along with stories about her part in major events during the classical era of Greece, The Trojan War. To the founding of a nation that ultimately ruled the world, Rome, her influence spans the generations.

Legend has it that she was a product of Ouranos (Sky) coming from Cronus, his son. Out of the foam of the waters, the birth of Aphrodite took place and she was washed ashore. The shore where she landed was none other than the ancient town of Paphos. Although there is another version that depicts her as a daughter Zeus and of Thalassa (a sea goddess), the birth of Aphrodite happened in the same place.

Legends, and mythology, although form fundamental parts of the culture of each country, are indeed nothing but legends. Nevertheless I wanted to share pictures with you of this beautiful place in my island, so I thought it would be worth it mentioning the legend behind the present day tourist area.

Hope you enjoyed reading this! J

Cypriot Ambassador

Elisabeth