Description of the attraction
The ruins of one of the largest and most famous early Christian basilicas in Cyprus - Chrysopolitissa - is located near the city harbor of Paphos.
It was built in the 4th century. However, already in the 7th century, during the next Arab raid, the basilica was completely destroyed. From that building to the present day, only amazingly beautiful mosaic floors with floral and geometric ornaments, as well as several columns, on which there are even inscriptions made by the invaders, have survived. Later, according to some sources - in the XII century, according to others - in the XV, a Byzantine church was built on the ruins, which was named the Church of St. Kyriaki. It is still in excellent condition and now hosts Catholic and Anglican services.
Also, this place is famous for the fact that according to legend, to one of the columns, which is located on the northeastern side of the temple, as punishment for preaching, the Romans tied the Apostle Paul to beat him with whips. Unfortunately, now only one marble pedestal remains of this column. In addition, it is believed that it was in this temple that the apostle first converted to Christianity a Roman official who at that time was the governor of the empire on the island - Sergius Paul.
The church also became famous for being the first place visited by Pope Benedict XVI, when in 2010 he went on a journey "in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul."
Now, large-scale archaeological excavations are being carried out on this territory. There have already been discovered the remains of the sanctuary of Aphrodite, as well as another Christian temple, which was destroyed by an earthquake.
