The Royal Chapel, Paphos : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Royal Chapel in Paphos, Cyprus, has been a site of worship and spiritual significance since the medieval period. This ancient place of worship is a testament to Cyprus’ rich cultural heritage and a major attraction for tourists who wish to explore its unique features. In this blog, we will take you on a tour of the royal chapel and give you some interesting facts about its history, architecture and importance in the Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy in Cyprus. We will also give you a brief travel guide on how to get there and what to do in the area. So, let’s take a closer look at the Royal Chapel of Paphos!

Interesting Facts About The Royal Chapel, Paphos

1.The Royal Chapel is the only surviving chapel of the four that used to be situated in Paphos.

2.The chapel was built by King Richard I in 1193 to commemorate the alleged site of Aphrodite’s birth.

3.The chapel is now a protected monument, and is the only surviving relic of the time before the Ottomans invaded Paphos.

4.The chapel was originally a small rectangular building, made with limestone and marble from the old Roman quarry near the sea.

5.The Royal Chapel served as a holy place for members of the royal family and nobles.

6.The chapel features a collection of ancient icons and frescoes, which depict the Virgin Mary, saints, and other Christian scenes.

7.The chapel is often visited by tourists and worshipers alike, to admire its architecture and to reflect on the lives of its past patrons.

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History & Information About The Royal Chapel, Paphos

The Royal Chapel, located at the entrance to the main court at the Palace of Paphos on the Greek island of Cyprus, is a historically important monument dating from the 11th century. Built to commemorate the reign of King Richard I of England (a.k.a. Richard the Lionheart) and his time in Cyprus from 1191 to 1192, the chapel features an impressive collection of frescoes and wall paintings depicting the life and stories of the king as well as scenes from Christian history. It is the only extant example of Chaucerian art in Cyprus and is often cited as one of the earliest examples of a portable church.

The Royal Chapel was built shortly after Richard’s coronation as King of Cyprus and was originally used as a space for royal audiences and coronations. Later, it became a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was used for Christian religious services and ceremonies, such as baptisms, confirmation. It is likely that the Royal Chapel was constructed contemporaneously with the Palace of Paphos, which dates from the early 12th century.

The chapel is decorated with a wealth of frescoes from the late 11th and early 12th centuries which depict symbolically important events from the life of Richard I in Cyprus, including his coronation as King in 1191 and his wedding to Berengaria of Navarre in 1195. In addition, the chapel also features frescoes from the other two royal burials that took place here, the first for King John and the second for King Henry V.

The Royal Chapel is one of the most important and well-preserved structures in Paphos and Cyprus from this period and is an integral part of the local landscape. Today, the chapel is open to the public and is considered an important cultural and historical landmark which attracts visitors from all over the world.

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Travel Guide For Visiting The Royal Chapel, Paphos

1. Learn about the history of the Royal Chapel – The Royal Chapel of Paphos was built in 1690 as part of an effort by Archbishop Misailides to renew the Christian monuments in the city. It is the oldest surviving Christian monument in the city and is the only one remaining from that period. The Royal Chapel of Paphos is dedicated to to the Virgin Mary and is home to many precious icons and relicts.

2. Directions – The Royal Chapel of Paphos is located in the centre of the city’s old town, near the town’s main square. The address is Musikinou Street 4, Pafos 8001. Parking is available at the nearby municipal parking lot.

3. Opening Hours – The Royal Chapel is open daily from 9:30 AM to 1 PM and from 4 PM to 6 PM, with the exception of holidays.

4. Admission Fee – The admission fee is €3 per adult, €1 per child and free for children under 6 years old.

5. What to See – The Royal Chapel features ancient icons of the Virgin Mary and religious artifacts from the late 17th century. There are also displays of local artifacts and artifacts from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

6. Other Attractions – Be sure to explore the nearby Roman ruins and the historic tombs of the Kings of Paphos. You can also take a boat ride to the Akamas Peninsula for some stunning views.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Royal Chapel, Paphos

Q1. What is The Royal Chapel?
A1. The Royal Chapel is a Wedding Venue located in the picturesque village of Konia in Paphos, Cyprus. It offers a wide range of services for everything wedding related, from pre-wedding preparations and ceremony to the reception and honeymoon suites.

Q2. What services does The Royal Chapel offer?
A2. The Royal Chapel offers a selection of wedding packages that include everything from ceremony and venue decorations, catering, photography, music and more. Customers can customize the package to their exact needs.

Q3. What amenities does the venue provide?
A3. The Royal Chapel provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding, a beautiful garden and fountain for pre-wedding and post- wedding pictures, private balcony for speeches, air-conditioned marble hall for the ceremony and reception, lighting options, and a bar area.

Q4. Does The Royal Chapel provide a wedding planner to help with the preparations?
A4. Yes, The Royal Chapel has a team of experienced wedding planners that will assist you in everything from selecting the perfect dress, styling the venue, organizing the guest list, and more.

Q5. Does The Royal Chapel provide accommodation for guests?
A5. Yes, The Royal Chapel offers accommodation in a selection of honeymoon suites for the bride and groom, as well as options for guests to stay in a nearby hotel or villa.

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