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Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa: A Tapestry of Faith and History

Discover Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa in Paphos: a historic church built 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 located in Kato Paphos, Cyprus. This complex is a layered tapestry of ecclesiastical history, built upon the foundations of earlier churches and encompassing ruins dating back to the early days of Christianity.

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

    Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa is easily accessible on foot from the Kato Paphos harbor 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. 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. Taxi base fare during the day is €3.42, and the rate per km is €0.73. At night, the base fare is €4.36, and the price per km is €0.85.

  • 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 stands as a testament to Paphos's rich spiritual history and the resilient faith of its community. The site's story began in the 4th century AD with the construction of a grand seven-aisled basilica, one of the largest early Christian churches on the island. This basilica, dedicated to Panagia Chrysopolitissa (Our Lady of the Golden City), served as the seat of the Bishop of Paphos. The basilica was an impressive building of about 1600 square meters. However, in the 7th century, during the Arab raids, the basilica was destroyed. In the 12th century, a smaller Byzantine church was built on the basilica's remains. This church, in turn, was replaced around 1500 AD by the present-day Agia Kyriaki Church. The church is strategically situated in Kato Paphos, ensuring easy access. Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa is also closely associated with St. Paul the Apostle. According to tradition, St. Paul visited Paphos in 45 AD, where he was arrested and flogged for preaching Christianity. The pillar to which he was tied, known as St. Paul's Pillar, still stands within the church complex and is a major pilgrimage site for Christians from around the world. The complex also includes an Ottoman bath archaeological site. Today, Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa serves as a unique place of worship, shared by Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican congregations. Visiting the site offers a chance to engage with the significant narratives and customs that have influenced Cyprus throughout the ages.

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