Saint Paul's Pillar, Paphos

In the heart of Kato Paphos, where the whispers of history echo through time, you'll find Saint Paul's Pillar inside the Church of Agia Kyriaki. This historic column is not merely a pillar but a sacred religious site for Christians.

In 45 AD, Paul the Apostle together with Barnabas the Apostle who was originally from the island traveled across Cyprus spreading the Christian message, eventually arriving in Paphos. Local Roman authorities reportedly punished Paul for his preaching Christianity on the island. The pillar marks the place where the Apostle Paul was tied and flogged.

As you walk through the western courtyard of the archaeological site, officially known as the Panagia Chrysopolitissa complex, look for a short marble column standing alone among the ruins. Saint Paul’s Pillar is marked by a small sign placed beside its base.

Apostle Paul continued his mission after the flogging. Soon afterward, according to the Acts of the Apostles, the Roman governor Sergius Paulus converted to Christianity, making Cyprus one of the earliest regions in the Roman world governed by a Christian ruler.

The Church of Agia Kyriaki was originally a magnificent seven-aisled basilica, but over time, it underwent a transformation, reducing its structure to five aisles. If you look around the courtyard, you can still see sections of the ancient stone walls outlining the basilica’s original layout. Beneath your feet, fragments of the mosaic floor remain visible in several places, offering a glimpse into the artistic and religious decoration that once filled the building. Some fragments of these exquisite mosaics still grace the sacred site, offering a glimpse into the artistic and religious fervor of the past.