Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church and St Paul’s Pillar: Paphos, Cyprus

The famous site of Panagia Chrysopolitissa church and St Paul’s Pillar is an important pilgrimage stop in Kato Paphos. The same goes for Agia Kyriaki church which is nearby.

If you like ancient ruins and churches, these two churches and St Paul’s pillar become a must-visit attraction in Kato Paphos. So pay them a visit and you won’t regret it.

Click the links below to guide you through the article.


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About Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church and St Paul’s Pillar

Panagia Chrysopolitissa/Agia Kyriaki Church

Panagia Chrysopolitissa is a 13th century church that was built over the ruins of the largest Early Byzantine Basilica in Cyprus.

The floor of the Basilica was covered with colorful mosaics. Nowadays, you will find that some of them are still well preserved.

This church was originally 7-aisled, but it was later reduced to 5 aisles.

Within the compound you will also find standing Corinthian-styled columns made of granite and marble.

After restoration, Panagia Chrysopolitissa church became popular for wedding venues. It’s also a place of worship for Greek Orthodox, Anglicans and Catholics; and for other Christian denominations.

(The Medieval church of Agia Kyriaki is nearby – pay it a visit, it’s well worth it).

Within the compound is St Paul’s Pillar where Saint Paul was sentenced to 39 lashes...read below for more information.


St Paul’s Pillar

According to tradition, St Paul’s Pillar is where Saint Paul (in 45 AD) was sentenced to forty but one (39) lashes for evangelizing Christianity in Paphos. That happened before the Roman Governor (Sergius Paulus) was converted to Christianity.

Eventually Saint Paul was successful to convert the Governor to Christianity. As a consequence the island (Cyprus) became one of the world’s first Christian states.

Today, St Paul’s Pillar can be found among ancient ruins surrounding Panagia Chrysopolitissa church.


Pictures of Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church and St Paul’s Pillar

Church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa, Paphos, CyprusChurch of Panagia Chrysopolitissa, Paphos, Cyprus
The Basilica of Chrysopolitissa, Paphos, CyprusThe Basilica of Chrysopolitissa, Paphos, Cyprus
Inside the Church, Paphos, CyprusInside the Church, Paphos, Cyprus
Ancient Ruins in Panagia Chrysopolitissa, PaphosAncient Ruins in Panagia Chrysopolitissa, Paphos
Mosaics in the Basilica of Chrysopolitissa, Paphos, CyprusMosaics in the Basilica of Chrysopolitissa, Paphos, Cyprus
St Paul's Pillar, Paphos, CyprusSt Paul's Pillar, Paphos, Cyprus
St Paul's Pillar, Paphos, CyprusSt Paul's Pillar, Paphos, Cyprus

…And that wraps up our article on Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church and St Paul’s Pillar. We hope you have a great holiday here on our island! Enjoy :-)