On a scorching July afternoon, about five weeks into my stay in Nicosia, I decided to explore some of Cyprus’ most famous archaeological sites: the Tomb of the Kings and the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. I expected to be awed by these historical wonders, but instead, I found myself struggling to grasp even the basics of what I was seeing.
There’s no denying the immense historical value of these sites. However, after my first trip to Paphos, I realized that I only retained a handful of facts about them. This nagging feeling of missing something crucial became apparent as I wandered through the ruins. The stunning mosaics, ancient columns, and intricate atriums were all there, but the lack of informative signage left me wanting more.
Take the Tomb of the Kings, for example. The name alone suggests grandeur, and the site certainly lives up to it. Perched on a coastal hill, this sprawling area features eight tombs carved directly into the sandstone, with other structures scattered throughout the park. Upon entering, visitors are met with a single sign offering a brief introduction, but it barely scratches the surface of what the site has to offer. Once you’ve read that initial snippet, the signage disappears, leaving you to navigate the vast ruins with little guidance.
To be fair, most of the main tombs are equipped with QR codes that link to audio guides. Initially, this seemed promising, but as I listened to the brief explanations, I felt more confused than before. The audio guides were filled with technical jargon and academic terms that did little to enhance my understanding. Words like “peristyle,” “stepped dromos,” and “entablature” were tossed around, but without context, they meant little to me. The more I listened, the less I understood.
This issue isn’t unique to the Tomb of the Kings; it seems to be a widespread problem across Cyprus’ archaeological sites. Many public sites managed by the Department of Antiquities suffer from poor signage, which detracts from the visitor experience. These sites are visually stunning and culturally significant, yet the historical context is often so poorly communicated that visitors struggle to grasp the importance of what they’re seeing.
For instance, the breathtaking mosaics at Kato Paphos are accompanied by an overwhelming number of signs. However, these signs focus so much on minute details that they fail to provide a broader context, making it difficult to appreciate the artwork fully. Even museums, like the Cyprus Museum, often fall short in explaining why their artifacts matter, beyond stating that they are ancient and beautiful. The bigger picture is frustratingly elusive.
This is particularly disappointing given that sites like the Tomb of the Kings and Kato Paphos Archaeological Park are among Cyprus’ top tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. People come to Cyprus seeking a connection to the ancient Mediterranean—a connection to its civilizations, art, gods, and myths. Yet, the storytelling at these sites fails to deliver, leaving history feeling out of reach.
It’s a missed opportunity, not just for tourists like myself, but also for Cypriots, who deserve to connect more deeply with their cultural heritage. Without better interpretation and clearer communication, the rich history of Cyprus remains trapped between a rock and a hard place—much like the visitors trying to understand it.
Source: Cyprus Mail | Julia Stern