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Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa: A Tapestry of Faith and History

Discover Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa in Paphos: a historic church atop ancient ruins, featuring St. Paul's Pillar and shared by diverse Christian faiths.

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Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, also known as the Church of Saint Kyriaki, is a captivating historical and religious site in Kato Paphos, Cyprus. This complex is a layered tapestry of ecclesiastical history, encompassing ruins dating back to the early days of Christianity. It stands as a testament to enduring faith and diverse cultural influences.

A brief summary to Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the site in a more peaceful atmosphere.
  • Take time to explore the mosaics; they offer a glimpse into early Christian art and symbolism.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting, as Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa is an active place of worship.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around the Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a comprehensive historical experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Paphos Harbour area, walk northeast along Apostolou Pavlou Avenue. After approximately 500 meters, turn right onto Eirinis Street, then immediately left onto Agias Kyriakis Street. The entrance to Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa will be on your right, about 100 meters from Apostolou Pavlou Avenue. This is a straightforward, mostly flat walk of about 10 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa area. From the main bus station at Paphos Harbour, take bus 611 towards Tombs of the Kings or bus 615 towards Coral Bay. Alight at the 'Agia Kyriaki' stop on Apostolou Pavlou Avenue. From there, walk a short distance (approximately 100 meters) on Agias Kyriakis Street to reach the church entrance. A single bus fare is €2 during the day or €3 at night. A day ticket costs €6.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available throughout Paphos. A short taxi ride from Paphos Harbour to Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa will typically cost between €6 and €8 during the day, depending on traffic and the specific route. At night, the fare may increase to €7-€9. Ensure the driver uses the meter, or agree on a fare beforehand. Ride-sharing services like Bolt are also available in Paphos, offering a similar price range.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate towards Kato Paphos and follow signs for the harbor. From the harbor area, head north on Apostolou Pavlou Avenue. Limited street parking is available along the side streets near Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa. Be aware of parking restrictions and time limits. Paid parking is available in municipal parking lots in the area; expect to pay around €1 for 2 hours in Zone A (main parking) or €1 for 3 hours in Zone B (secondary parking). Some parking areas offer payment via the 'Paphos Smart Parking' app.

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Discover more about Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa

Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, a historical and religious site in Kato Paphos, is more than just a church; it's a journey through centuries of Cypriot history. The complex is built upon the foundations of earlier churches, with ruins dating back to the 4th century AD. The site is open to visitors daily and admission is free. The story begins with a grand seven-aisled basilica, one of the largest early Christian churches on the island. Dedicated to Panagia Chrysopolitissa (Our Lady of the Golden City), it served as the seat of the Bishop of Paphos. The basilica featured marble columns, granite structures, and intricate mosaics. However, it was destroyed in the 7th century during Arab raids. In the 12th century, a smaller Byzantine church was built on the remains, replaced around 1500 AD by the present-day Agia Kyriaki Church. The church was built around 1540 AD as a Latin Church on the site of a small church which was destroyed in 365 AD by an earthquake. Today, Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa serves as a place of worship shared by Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican congregations. The complex includes St. Paul's Pillar, where, according to tradition, St. Paul was flogged for preaching Christianity in 45 AD. This event led to the conversion of the Roman governor, Sergius Paulus, and the establishment of Christianity in Cyprus. The site also features an Ottoman bath archaeological site, showcasing the multicultural history of the region. Exploring Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa offers a chance to engage with the narratives and customs that have shaped Cyprus.

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