You would be forgiven for thinking you had strayed onto a blog about Egypt, given that particular title. But in fact Cyprus can lay claim to a Tomb of the Kings, and what’s more you can visit it while you are on holiday there as well.

If you are staying anywhere near Paphos in Cyprus you won’t have far to travel. The tombs are only about a mile from Paphos’ famous harbour. As you can see it wouldn’t take that long to walk there if you fancy the exercise.

You may be a little disappointed to know that these tombs do not contain any royal remains. In fact they never did. Unlike the tombs in Egypt these were designated for less important people, although they were still referred to as aristocrats so they were far from poor. The majestic sight of the tombs testifies to this – they are amazing and humbling to see. When you consider the fact that they were carved out of their surroundings and out of solid rock, this was not an undertaking that was done for the poorest of society.

While you cannot visit the whole site, many of the best areas have been made accessible for the public. One of the tombs has a selection of massive pillars, forming a square where the middle is open to the light above. Elsewhere you will find yourself confronted by a set of steps leading down into the tomb below. Will you have the nerve to descend and explore what awaits you within?

The details in the pillars and above some of the doorways are quite exquisite. Be sure to take a camera and commit as much of the Tomb of the Kings to film (or digital card) as you can. The experience is one of the most amazing ones Cyprus has to offer, and it takes you back to life as it was lived centuries ago.

It might seem a little macabre to explore what is essentially the final resting place of people who lived in another time. But there is much to be learned from these tombs, and we should be grateful for that.