St Paul’s Pillar

Standing proud in the grounds of the Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church, St Paul’s Pillar is one of Cyprus’ most important sites of pilgrimage, dating back to the early days of Christianity. Legend has it that St Paul arrived in Paphos in 45 AD and was scourged by the Romans for preaching Christianity, receiving 39 lashes while tied to the pillar. But his efforts weren’t in vain and Paul eventually succeeded in converting Roman Governor Sergius Paulus to Christianity, making Cyprus one of the world’s first Christian states.

Today, St Paul’s Pillar lies amongst a series of ancient ruins surrounding the Chrysopolitissa church, including the remains of an early Byzantine basilica and a mosque dating back to the period Ottoman rule.