Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Paphos audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~35 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~35 min
- Paphos Paphos guide
About Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar
A small stone church standing among the ruins and surviving mosaics of a huge fourth-century basilica, with the pillar where tradition says the Apostle Paul was scourged before converting the Roman governor.
The little church of Agia Kyriaki, also called Panagia Chrysopolitissa, stands in the ruins of a great early-Christian basilica, said to be the largest early-Byzantine basilica on Cyprus, built in the fourth century and once the seat of the bishop of Paphos. Rows of granite columns and colourful floor mosaics survive around the thirteenth-century church. In the grounds stands 'St Paul's Pillar', where tradition holds the Apostle Paul was tied and scourged.
The Acts of the Apostles tell that Paul and Barnabas came to Paphos and that the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus was converted after Paul rebuked a sorcerer; it is here, in Acts, that Saul is first called Paul. The site, in the heart of ancient Nea Paphos, is now used for worship by several Christian denominations.
Did you know? The small thirteenth-century church stands in the ruins of a fourth-century basilica, said to be the largest early-Byzantine basilica on Cyprus, with surviving floor mosaics and rows of granite columns.
How long should you spend at Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar?
Plan about ~35 min at Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar worth visiting?
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Paphos, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Paphos
Day 1 of the Paphos in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and St Paul's Pillar
Preview the Paphos tour free in the Gingerguide app.