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Agia Solomoni Catacomb: A Blend of History and Legend

Explore an ancient catacomb in Paphos, Cyprus, where early Christian history intertwines with local legends and traditions.

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The Agia Solomoni Catacomb in Paphos is an ancient underground complex dating back to the Hellenistic period. It evolved from chamber tombs to a Christian pilgrimage site, featuring a sacred tree adorned with colorful rags and the Chapel of the Seven Sleepers.

A brief summary to Agia Solomoni Catacomb

  • Apostolou Pavlou Ave 100, Paphos, 8042, CY

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours, as the underground chambers are dimly lit.
  • Be mindful when descending the steps into the catacomb, as they can be steep and the light is poor.
  • Take a moment to observe the sacred tree and the colorful rags tied to its branches.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions such as the Paphos Archaeological Park or Paphos Harbour.
  • Dress respectfully, as this is considered a sacred place.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Paphos Harbour, walk along the coastal path towards Tombs of the Kings Avenue. Turn left onto Tombs of the Kings Avenue and continue until you reach the intersection with Apostolou Pavlou Avenue. Turn right, and Agia Solomoni Catacomb is located at number 100. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the main bus stations in Kato Paphos (Harbour or Tombs of the Kings), take any bus heading towards Paphos Town (Ktima) or Coral Bay. Get off at the 'Apostolou Pavlou Ave. - Agiou Lamprianou' bus stop, which is directly outside the catacomb. A single bus fare costs €2 during the day and €3 at night. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver.

  • Taxi

    From Paphos Harbour, a taxi ride to Agia Solomoni Catacomb typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and the time of day. Ride-sharing services like Bolt are also available in Paphos and offer a similar price range. The journey takes approximately 3 minutes. Taxis in Paphos have a base fare of €3.42 during the day (06:00 to 20:30) and €4.36 at night (20:30 to 06:00), with a rate of €0.73 per km during the day and €0.85 per km at night.

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Discover more about Agia Solomoni Catacomb

Agia Solomoni Catacomb is a captivating historical and spiritual site in Kato Paphos, Cyprus. Originally a complex of Hellenistic tombs, it transitioned into a significant place of Christian pilgrimage. The site is named after Agia Solomoni, revered as one of the first to embrace Christianity on the island. According to legend, she sought refuge in the catacombs to escape Roman persecution. When the Romans sealed her inside, she miraculously emerged alive 200 years later. The catacomb features an open courtyard surrounded by five rock-cut chambers, one of which contains a freshwater spring. The western chamber showcases remnants of 12th-century Christian wall paintings and graffiti from 13th-century Crusaders. A large terebinth tree stands above the catacombs, adorned with colorful rags and offerings from visitors who believe it holds curative powers, particularly for eye problems. This practice reflects a blend of Christian and pagan traditions. Visitors can explore the dimly lit chambers and experience the serene atmosphere of this historical site. The descent into the catacombs involves navigating steep steps, so caution is advised. Although some areas are closed off, the site offers a unique glimpse into early Christian heritage. The catacomb is open to visitors throughout the year and there is no entrance fee.

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