|
Paphos Churches
AYIA SOLOMONI CHURCH
Kato Paphos, St. Paul street. Originally a Christian catacomb. A
sacred tree stands at the top, which, according to tradition, cures
the diseases of those who hang a personal offering on its branches.
THE MOSAICS OF PAPHOS
House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House
of Aion. Kato Paphos, near the harbour. Tel: (06)240217
The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3rd century AD noblemen.'s villas,
are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They
mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully
executed.
PAPHOS ODEON
A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of well-hewn limestone
blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiqu-ities in
1973-4 and is now regularly used for musical and theatrical
performances.
SARANTA KOLONES
Kato Paphos, near the harbour. This castle was built in the first
years of the rule of the Lusignans (beginning of 12th century) maybe
on the site of a previous Byzantine Castle. It was destroyed in the
earthquake of 1222.
PAPHOS CASTLE
Kato Paphos Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the
harbour, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, then
dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to
defend it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and
strengthened it after they captured the island.
PANAYIA LIMENIOTISSA BASILICA
Kato Paphos Dating from the Early Christian period, probably early 5th
century and dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Harbour'. Almost completely
destroyed during the 7th century Arab raids.
Panagia
Chrysopolitissa
PANAYIA CHRYSOPOLITISSA CHURCH AND BYZANTINE BASILICA
Kato Paphos Built in the 13th century, over the ruins of the largest
early Byzantine basilica on the island. Within the compound, one can
see the so called St. Paul's Pillar, where according to tradition
Saint Paul was flogged at some time before the Roman Governor Sergius
Paulus was converted to Christianity. Excavations are still going on.
THEOSKEPASTI CHURCH
Kato Paphos, facing the harbour. Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God'
and according to tradition, God sent down a fog to protect the
original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in
1923.
 |
|