DESCRIPTION:

The "Villa of Theseus" is the largest building discovered to date in Cyprus. Excavations carried out by the Polish Archaeological Mission since 1965 have uncovered a luxurious villa, which includes more than 100 rooms spread over an area of approximately 9,600 square meters. Its size and luxury led the excavators to conclude that the building was one of the official residences of the Roman proconsul (governor) of Cyprus. Construction began in the 2nd century AD and, with many expansions, additions, and modifications, it continued to be used until the early 7th century AD. The monumental entrance was located to the east, at the end of a major road that connected it to the harbor. Of the four wings surrounding the large central courtyard, the most important was the southern one, which included rooms of a public nature (reception halls, an audience hall, etc.). In the southeast corner of this wing is a luxurious complex of baths, while the private apartments were located to the west. Service rooms and workshop areas were found in the northern wing and to the east. The decoration of the "Villa of Theseus" included wall paintings and exquisite figurative and geometric mosaic floors. The mosaics cover an area of over 1,400 square meters and date from various periods, spanning from the 3rd to the early 6th century AD. Marble statues and other portable finds from the villa are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of the District of Pafos.