Church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa and ruins in Paphos / Hrysopolitissa Basilica

What to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting

Panagia Chrysopolitissa (Hrysopolitissa Basilica or Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa) - one of the must-see places in Paphos, and it is free. This is an archaeological site and an ancient early Christian basilica of the IV century. More precisely, to make it clear, the basilica is located in the center of the site of archaeological excavations and ruins, and all this can be viewed for free, at least for now. For inspection over the ruins there are pedestrian bridges that lead directly to the walls of the temple, but you can not get inside.

Initially, the Church of Chrysopolitissa (which means the Church of the icon of the mother of God Zlatogradaya) appeared on this site in the IV century AD.E. even then it was a monumental stone structure, which was supported on six rows of columns. In the VI century it was rebuilt, the floor was covered with new mosaics. In the VII century, after the first Arab invasion, it was partially destroyed by the conquerors, suffered from an earthquake, and then abandoned for many centuries. In the XV century, a new small church was built on this site, but it was later completely dismantled. In the last century, during the preparation for the construction of a new hotel, The Remains of the foundation were discovered, after which the construction was stopped, and archaeological excavations and restoration began. The church as you will see it today is completely restored, not preserved in this form.

Getting acquainted with the sights of Paphos is most interesting with an excursion or an individual guide. You can buy them from travel agencies on the spot, or pick them up and order them from one of these proven tour search and booking sites with reviews:

• 📷 search for excursions in Paphos on Tripster.ru