St Paul's Pillar - Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church

Panagia Chrysopolitissa is a Christian Orthodox church that was built in the 13th century. The archaeologists discovered that this church has been built over the ruins of the largest Early Byzantine Basilica that is found on the entire island. Originally the church had seven aisles but at a later stage the aisles were reduced to five. Another feature showing how majestic this church was, are the colorful mosaics that covered the floors. The visitors can admire the parts of the mosaics that are still preserved.

At the same place the visitors can see St. Paul's Pillar. Saint Paul came to Paphos in 45 AD to teach Christianity and convert the people to Christians. Christianity was soon spread wide within the inhabitants of the island but the Roman ruler of the time Sergius Paulus ordered to ceise St. Paul, tie him up on a lump of stone and give him 39 lashes with the accusation of evangelising in Cyprus. Today St. Pauls Pillar is one of the most popular stops for Christian pilgrims.

It is worth note that this important site of the Orthodoxy is today entrusted to the Roman Catholic parish of Paphos. Sunday Masses take part at 10:00 a.m for the Latins, 11:00 a.m for the Polish and 12:00 for the English. The Ayia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa church is very popular among the visitors for Roman Catholic weddings. It is perhaps one of the most romantic places to host your wedding ceremony in Paphos.

Tel: +357 26306217

Open daily:

Winter hours:  08.00 -13.00 and 14.00-16.00

Spring hours:  08.00- 13.00 and 14.00 -17.00

Entrance: Free