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Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa: A Paphos Tapestry of Faith and History

Explore a captivating Paphos landmark: a historic church, ancient basilica ruins, and St. Paul's Pillar, all in one remarkable site.

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Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, also known as the Church of Saint Kyriaki, is a historic and religiously significant site in Kato Paphos, Cyprus. This complex is a layered tapestry of ecclesiastical history, encompassing ruins dating back to the early days of Christianity. The site stands as a testament to enduring faith and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Cyprus over the centuries.

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. Taxi fares in Paphos have a base fare of €3.42 during the day (06:00 to 20:30) and a rate per km of €0.73. At night (20:30 to 06:00) the base fare is €4.36 and a price per km of €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, a remarkable historical and religious site in Kato Paphos, reveals Cyprus's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The complex is not just a single structure but a layered tapestry of ecclesiastical history built upon the foundations of earlier churches. The story begins in the 4th century AD with the construction of 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's vast scale and elaborate decoration, including marble columns, granite structures, and intricate mosaics, reflected Paphos's importance as a major center of Christianity. The basilica was an impressive building of about 1600 square meters. In the 7th century, Arab raids led to the basilica's destruction, leaving ruins incorporated into later structures. A smaller Byzantine church was built in the 12th century, replaced around 1500 AD by the present-day Agia Kyriaki Church. This stone-built church has undergone numerous additions, reflecting changing architectural styles and religious practices. Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa is also associated with St. Paul the Apostle. Tradition says St. Paul visited Paphos in 45 AD, where he was flogged for preaching Christianity. The pillar to which he was tied, known as St. Paul's Pillar, stands as a potent symbol of the island's ancient Christian heritage. Today, Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa serves as a unique place of worship shared by Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican congregations. This ecumenical spirit reflects the tolerance and harmony that characterize Cyprus's religious landscape. Exploring Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa unveils layers of history, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Visitors can wander through the ancient basilica's ruins, marvel at mosaics depicting biblical scenes and geometric patterns, and reflect on St. Paul's Pillar's significance.

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