From: oliviacy,   Added: 08 April 09,   Views: info-156   Edit    Delete    

Adonis Baths located in Kili, Paphos, is one of the most beautiful and unique area in Cyprus. Tradition says that Adonis the God of Beauty tended his horses in this place and hunted in the Akamas forest. According to Greek mythology Adonis and Aphrodite had many children here, the citizen of Paphos are supposed to be descended to these two lovers. However, Artemis the Goddess of Hunting was jealous of the love between Adonis and Aphrodite and tried to find a way of killing Adonis. She threw a golden almond into the baths to try attracting his attention. Poseidon the God of Sea saw what was about to happen so he covered the golden almond with a torrent to prevent Adonis from drowning .Artemis had another plan, she asked Mars, the God of War to push the mountains onto Adonis at the baths. Poseidon stopped the rocks moving towards the banks of the river and Adonis was saved again. Adonis was not so lucky whilst hunting one day. A man disguised as a wild boar fatally wounded him. He returned to the baths but died in the arms of Aphrodite. Aphrodite could not bear to lose her beloved Adonis and begged for him to be sent back to each every six months, each Autumn it is believed. Popular tradition connects Adonis Baths with the legendary visit of Digenis Akritas. The story says that he put one foot on each side of the River Mavrokolymbos and tank water from the baths. Until this day there is a place called Digenis feet. The baths are two kilometres from Kili village and twelve kilometres from Paphos. They are about seven kilometres from Mavrokolympos Dam and can be reached via Tala or Akoursos road. It is advisable for visitors with bicycle or motorcycle to user the Tala Road.