Church of Agia Kyriaki and Saint Paul's Pillar, Paphos
In the heart of Kato Paphos, where the whispers of history echo through time, you'll find Saint Paul's Pillar. This sacred site is not merely a pillar but a beacon illuminating the early Christian heritage of the island and the arduous journey taken by the early Christian pioneers to spread their faith.
Built in the 13th century, the Church of Panayia Chrysopolitissa, also known as 'Our Lady of the Golden City' or Ayia Kyriaki, stands on the hallowed ground where the early Christians laid the foundation for the faith that would shape the destiny of Cyprus. This church emerged upon the ruins of an early Byzantine basilica, signifying a continuous thread of religious significance across centuries.
Saint Paul's Pillar, which resides nearby, is the epicenter of a transformative moment in early Christian history. It was here, after enduring a flogging, that Saint Paul, the indefatigable apostle, achieved a remarkable feat. He managed to convert the Roman governor Sergius Paulus to Christianity, an event that left an indelible mark on the religious landscape of Cyprus.
The church was originally a magnificent seven-aisled basilica, but over time, it underwent a transformation, reducing its structure to five aisles. Beneath its arching walls, the basilica's mosaic-laden floor told stories of beauty, devotion, and spirituality. Some fragments of these exquisite mosaics still grace the sacred site, offering a glimpse into the artistic and religious fervor of the past.
Built in the 13th century, the Church of Panayia Chrysopolitissa, also known as 'Our Lady of the Golden City' or Ayia Kyriaki, stands on the hallowed ground where the early Christians laid the foundation for the faith that would shape the destiny of Cyprus. This church emerged upon the ruins of an early Byzantine basilica, signifying a continuous thread of religious significance across centuries.
Saint Paul's Pillar, which resides nearby, is the epicenter of a transformative moment in early Christian history. It was here, after enduring a flogging, that Saint Paul, the indefatigable apostle, achieved a remarkable feat. He managed to convert the Roman governor Sergius Paulus to Christianity, an event that left an indelible mark on the religious landscape of Cyprus.
The church was originally a magnificent seven-aisled basilica, but over time, it underwent a transformation, reducing its structure to five aisles. Beneath its arching walls, the basilica's mosaic-laden floor told stories of beauty, devotion, and spirituality. Some fragments of these exquisite mosaics still grace the sacred site, offering a glimpse into the artistic and religious fervor of the past.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paphos. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Church of Agia Kyriaki and Saint Paul's Pillar on Map
Sight Name: Church of Agia Kyriaki and Saint Paul's Pillar
Sight Location: Paphos, Cyprus (See walking tours in Paphos)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paphos, Cyprus (See walking tours in Paphos)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paphos, Cyprus
Create Your Own Walk in Paphos
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paphos is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paphos Archaeological Park Walking Tour
Paphos is divided into two parts. Kato Paphos, the area near the harbor, is where all the archaeological sites are located, while Ktima (Old Town) is where you'll find the museums. The Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980.
This park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, while most remains... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
This park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, while most remains... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Paphos Introduction Walking Tour
For most people, the mesmerizing town of Paphos on the southwestern coast of Cyprus is all about sun, sand, and sea. However, alongside its beachy vibes, this seaside resort is home to a swag of important historical tourist attractions that contributed to Paphos being anointed European Capital of Culture in 2017.
Indeed, as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Paphos is steeped in both... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Indeed, as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Paphos is steeped in both... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles