Agia Solomoni Catacomb

Among the many ancient treasures that Paphos is rich in, this site stands out for its particularly mystical atmosphere. The Agia Solomoni Catacombs are an ancient underground complex, partially natural and partially hand-carved into the rocky ground, which served as both a tomb and a refuge for early Christians over the centuries.

This unique landmark, preserved by Cyprus, consists of five caves connected by a labyrinth of passages. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a massive pistachio tree adorned with hundreds of colorful strips of cloth—a tradition of pilgrims who leave fabric in hopes of healing and the fulfillment of wishes.

Hidden inside the complex is a cave church decorated with fragments of ancient murals. There is also a holy spring, the water from which is believed by locals to have healing properties. The site harmoniously combines ancient architecture, Christian shrines, and the mysterious silence of underground grottoes.

For those planning a visit to this historical site, look for Apostolou Pavlou Avenue in the lower part of the city.

Descending the steep stone staircase, you will find yourself in a world of cool air and dim light. The first thing to do is explore the underground church and touch the ancient walls, where traces of 12th-century Byzantine frescoes and inscriptions left by Crusader knights centuries ago are still visible.

Be sure to visit the cave with the holy spring. Pilgrims believe its water helps with eye ailments, so you can often see people washing their eyes here. Don't forget to observe the local ritual: tie a ribbon to the branches of the terebinth tree at the entrance—it is believed to bring good luck and health.

To comfortably explore the dark corners of the labyrinth, we recommend bringing a flashlight and wearing comfortable shoes, as the cave floors can be uneven and slippery in places. This is an excellent spot for atmospheric photos that capture the spirit of early Christianity.

The site is located in the popular tourist district of Kato Paphos. If you are already walking around the harbor or the Archaeological Park, the walk will only take 5–10 minutes. For those who prefer comfort, a taxi ride from the center will take no more than 10 minutes.

If you are using public transport, choose buses heading to Apostolou Pavlou Avenue—there is a stop right next to the entrance. For travelers in rental cars, free parking is available nearby.

The drive from Paphos Airport takes about 20–30 minutes. This site is very easy to include in a walking route through the city's key ancient monuments.

The first mentions of this site date back to the 4th century BC, when the caves served as Hellenistic tombs. Later, during the early Christian era, these halls became a sanctuary for believers hiding from persecution. It was then that the first underground cells and chapels appeared here.

The main legend is associated with Saint Solomoni, who, according to tradition, took refuge in these catacombs with her sons in the 2nd century AD. Legend has it that the persecutors walled up the entrance, but centuries later, the saint emerged from the cave unharmed. Today, her relics, revered by pilgrims from all over the world, are kept in one of the caves.

During the Middle Ages, particularly between the 9th and 12th centuries, the complex was an important religious center. This is evidenced by fragments of Byzantine frescoes. The Crusaders also left their mark here in the 13th century: their specific graffiti, carved into the soft stone, can still be found on the walls.

A standard introduction to the complex usually takes 30–60 minutes. This is enough time to go underground, explore the main grottoes, the church, and visit the holy spring.

If you plan to study the surviving frescoes in detail, take photographs, or spend time in quiet reflection within the caves, we recommend allowing about 1.5 hours. The place has a special energy that encourages a slower pace.

The catacombs are usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, welcoming guests from 08:00 to 16:00. The site is most often closed for tours on Sundays.

As the schedule may change depending on the season or religious holidays, it is recommended to check for current information on official tourism portals before your visit.

The location of the complex in the heart of the historical district makes it easy to combine a visit here with other iconic sites in the city. A walk around the area will give you access to UNESCO heritage sites and picturesque coastal views.