Paphos Old Town: Ktima, the Market and Historic Streets

Paphos is often associated with the sea, the harbour, the castle and the Archaeological Park, but the historic city centre lies above the coast. This part of the city is called Ktima, or Upper Paphos. It has a completely different atmosphere: neoclassical public buildings, old commercial streets, the municipal market, craft spaces, small squares, cafés and restored historic buildings.

Old Paphos is also interesting for the way the past and modern urban life have been brought together here. A former power station became a cultural space, an old cinema was restored for events, and Ibrahim Khan was given a new function. A significant part of the historic centre’s transformation was connected with Paphos’s preparations to become European Capital of Culture in 2017.

• How Old Paphos was formed
• The Town Hall and neoclassical Paphos
• Kennedy Square and the commercial centre
• The Municipal Market
• Ibrahim Khan
• The Ottoman Baths
• Palia Ilektriki
• The former Attikon cinema
• Markideio Theatre
• Mouttalos
• Where to eat in Old Paphos
• Frequently asked questions

Ktima is the traditional name for the upper historic part of Paphos. The name Pano Paphos, meaning Upper Paphos, is also used. This is where the administrative and commercial centre of the modern city developed.

Ktima should not be confused with Kato Paphos. Kato Paphos is located by the sea: this is where the harbour, Paphos Castle, the Archaeological Park and the tourist promenade are found. Ktima lies above the coast and represents a completely different Paphos — with a market, city squares, historic public buildings and residential neighbourhoods. In modern Greek, the word «ktima» means property, a plot of land or an estate.

How Old Paphos was formed

As the city developed, Paphos’s administrative, commercial and everyday life became concentrated in the upper part, while the area by the sea retained its connection with the port and the ancient city.

That is why the history of Ktima reads differently from the history of Kato Paphos. There are fewer ancient ruins here, but buildings and urban spaces from later periods have survived: Ottoman heritage, neoclassical architecture, old commercial streets and public buildings.

An important stage for the Old Town was the large-scale reconstruction of the historic centre. The municipal programme covered an area approximately 1.5 km long — from the neoclassical administrative centre to the Mouttalos neighbourhood. Squares and the traditional commercial centre were upgraded, historic buildings were restored and new cultural spaces were created.

These changes became especially noticeable during the preparations for Paphos in 2017, when the city received the title of European Capital of Culture. This is why modern Ktima combines old architecture with noticeably renewed public spaces.

The Town Hall and neoclassical Paphos

One of the best places to get acquainted with Ktima’s architecture is 28 October Square. This is where Paphos Town Hall is located — Paphos Town Hall (Δημαρχείο Πάφου). The building, with its columns and symmetrical façade, was constructed in 1955 to a design by Cypriot architect Andreas Christodoulides. The Municipality of Paphos still operates here today.

Opposite is the Christodoulos Galatopoulos Municipal Library — another prominent neoclassical building. A marble 28 October column stands between the Town Hall and the library.

The Municipal Garden and other historic public buildings are located nearby. This part of the Old Town also preserves the district administration building and the old post office, built in the 1920s.

The walk should not end at the square. From here, it is easy to continue on foot towards Kennedy Square and the old commercial centre.
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Kennedy Square and the old commercial centre

Kennedy Square is one of the central points of modern Ktima. The square and the surrounding traditional commercial district were completely upgraded as part of the reconstruction of the historic centre.

This is a convenient starting point for a walk through the old commercial streets. Buildings dating from the early 20th century have survived along Makariou Avenue, and small shops, cafés and other urban establishments operate here today.

Ktima is particularly interesting because of the transitions between these spaces: a formal neoclassical square gradually gives way to commercial streets, the market and small lanes.
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Paphos Municipal Market

The Municipal Market is located in Ktima’s old commercial centre and for a long time was one of the main places of urban life in Paphos. It was especially lively on Saturdays: residents came to do their weekly shopping, meet and socialise, while traders filled the stalls with fresh produce.

Later, the market and its surroundings were reconstructed as part of the Old Town’s renewal. Landscaped pedestrian areas were created, and on the western side there is now a viewpoint towards the sea.

Today the market has changed, but it has retained its commercial function. You can find food products, local delicacies, Cypriot wine, handicrafts, jewellery, natural cosmetics and souvenirs here. After visiting the market, it is convenient to continue your walk along Ktima’s neighbouring commercial streets.
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Ibrahim Khan

Ibrahim Khan is a former inn in Old Paphos. Such khans were an important part of urban commerce: travellers and traders entered the inner courtyard, where they could stay and accommodate their goods and animals.

After restoration, the building’s purpose changed. Today, the rooms around the inner courtyard are used by artists and craftspeople, and exhibitions and cultural events are held here. Ibrahim Khan is worth visiting during a walk through Ktima for the building itself and its interior space — it is a surviving element of old commercial Paphos, not simply another modern gallery.
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The Ottoman Baths

Not far from the old market are the Ottoman baths, Loutra, also known as Eboubekir Baths. The complex was rebuilt in 1592 next to Yeni Cami Mosque on the orders of Mehmet Bey Eboubekir, who governed the Paphos district at the time. His name became associated with the baths.

The hammam was an important part of the city’s everyday and social life. The visit began in a cold room, where visitors left their clothes and received towels. They then moved to a warm room with a temperature of about 25 °C to prepare the body for the heat, and afterwards to a room with steam and hot water, where the temperature reached 38–40 °C. In the centre was a raised stone platform where visitors were scrubbed with a special glove and oils were used.

The building’s domes are particularly interesting. They contain small openings that were originally covered with glass and served as practically the only sources of natural light. The rest of the lighting was provided by lamps and light fittings.

The baths were not only a place for washing. They were associated with important events in family life: for example, a bride’s visit to the hammam before her wedding could become a separate celebration with music.

Loutra continued to be used for its original purpose until the 1950s. In 2015, the building was restored, after which it began to be used as a cultural space by the Municipality of Paphos.
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Palia Ilektriki — the old power station

Not far from Kennedy Square is Palia Ilektriki, the former Paphos power station. After reconstruction, the industrial building was transformed into a cultural space, while part of the old equipment was preserved inside as a reminder of the building’s original function.

Today, exhibitions, lectures, small concerts, literary evenings, tastings and other cultural events are held here.

Palia Ilektriki is another good example of how Old Paphos preserves historic buildings not only for their appearance, but also brings them back into the modern life of the city.
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Attikon — the former Paphos cinema

Another restored building, the former Attikon cinema, is located next to Palia Ilektriki. It appeared in 1941–1942 and in the following decades became one of the notable centres of the city’s cultural life.

In the 1950s–1970s, films were shown here and concerts and performances were held. The cinema closed in the mid-1970s, later briefly resumed operations under the name Othello, and in 2015 the municipality began its large-scale restoration.

The renovated building opened in 2019 as a modern cultural space. An open-air summer cinema was created nearby.
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Markideio Theatre

Markideio Municipal Theatre is located not far from Attikon. The modern building was constructed on the site of the old Markideio Theatre as part of the renewal of this part of Paphos.

The new municipal theatre seats 410 people and opened in 2018. Theatre productions, concerts and other cultural events are held here today.

It is not necessary to go inside specifically for an ordinary walk, but the area around Palia Ilektriki, Attikon and Markideio is interesting because several cultural venues have formed a separate modern cluster within the historic city.
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Mouttalos — another Old Paphos

If you would like to go farther from the restored commercial centre, you can continue your walk towards Mouttalos. This is a historic neighbourhood to the north-west of central Ktima.

There is less formal neoclassical architecture here and more of an ordinary residential urban environment. The area is interesting for its old streets and natural terrain: natural caves are located along the rocky section.

As part of Mouttalos’s reconstruction, pedestrian paths, resting areas, benches, shelters and wooden platforms were created here. The area can therefore be included in a walk if you would like to see Old Paphos beyond the market and central squares.
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Old buildings with a new life

One of the most interesting features of modern Ktima is not a particular attraction, but the approach to the historic buildings themselves. The old buildings here were not simply restored externally; efforts were made to adapt them to new urban life.

The former power station became a cultural space, Attikon cinema became an events venue, and Ibrahim Khan became a place for art and crafts. At the same time, the market, squares and traditional commercial streets were upgraded.

That is why Ktima does not look like a museum district today. Historic buildings remain part of the city, while modern cafés, restaurants, shops and cultural venues operate among them.

Where to eat in Old Paphos

It is easy to stay in the Old Town until the evening. Many establishments operate around Kennedy Square, Makariou Avenue, the market and the neighbouring streets — from small coffee shops and wine bars to restaurants and traditional Cypriot tavernas.

You can stop for coffee during your walk, try local wine or finish the day with dinner in Ktima without going down to the tourist promenade of Kato Paphos.

How best to explore Old Paphos

Ktima does not require a strict route. It is convenient to start at 28 October Square and the Town Hall, walk to Kennedy Square, and then continue to the commercial streets and the municipal market. From here, you can visit the Ottoman baths and Ibrahim Khan, then choose between the cultural quarter with Palia Ilektriki and Attikon or continue walking towards Mouttalos.

You should allow several hours for the Old Town. If you plan to visit cultural spaces, museums or events, you will need more time.

Ktima and Kato Paphos are best understood as two different parts of one city. Down below are the sea, harbour and archaeology; above are the historic administrative centre, market, neoclassical architecture, commercial streets and modern life inside restored buildings.

Frequently asked questions

Are Ktima and Paphos Old Town the same thing?

Ktima is traditionally the name for the upper historic part of Paphos. In a tourist context, this is usually the area meant by the Old Town.

How is Ktima different from Kato Paphos?

Ktima lies above the coast and has historically been associated with the city’s administrative, commercial and residential life. Kato Paphos is located by the sea: this is where the harbour, Paphos Castle, the Archaeological Park and the promenade are found.

Is Paphos Town Hall still in operation?

Yes. Paphos Town Hall on 28 October Square is an active town hall where the Municipality of Paphos operates.

Is there a market in the Old Town?

Yes. Paphos Municipal Market is located in Ktima’s historic commercial centre at 25 Constantinou Kanari Street, Paphos 8010.

What should you see first in Old Paphos?

For a first introduction, it is worth seeing 28 October Square and the Town Hall, Kennedy Square, the municipal market, Ibrahim Khan and the Ottoman baths. If you have more time, you can add Palia Ilektriki, Attikon and a walk through Mouttalos.

Why are there so many restored buildings in the Old Town?

The historic centre of Paphos underwent extensive renewal, including the reconstruction of squares and commercial streets and the restoration of historic sites. An important stage of this process was the city’s preparations to become European Capital of Culture in 2017.