Pafos & the West - Cyprus - page 186

Not far from the mosaics are the remains of the medieval Saranta Kolones Fortress,
named for the '40 columns' that were once a feature of the now almost levelled structure.
Little is known about the precise nature or history of the original fortress, other than it was
built by the Lusignans in the 12th century and was subsequently destroyed by an earth-
quake in 1222. A few desultory arches are the only visual evidence of its original
grandeur.
o Hrysopolitissa Basilica & St Paul's Pillar ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Stassándhrou, Kato Pafos) F
This fascinating site was home to one of Pafos' largest religious structures. What remains
are the foundations of a 4th century Christian basilica , which aptly demonstrates the size
and magnificence of the original church; it was ultimately destroyed during Arab raids in
653. Several magnificent marble columns remain from the colonnades, while others lie
scattered around the site, and mosaics are still visible. Further incarnations of the basilica
were built over the years, leading to the present small Agia Kyriaki church, which is now
used for Anglican, Lutheran and Greek Orthodox services.
A raised walkway provides excellent views of the extensive site and has explanatory
plaques in English. Look also for the tomb of Eric Ejegod, the 12th-century King of Den-
mark who died suddenly in 1103 on his way to the Holy Land.
On the western side of the basilica is the so-called St Paul's Pillar, where St Paul was
allegedly tied and scourged 39 times before he finally converted his tormentor, the Roman
governor Sergius Paulus, to Christianity.
Pafos Castle CASTLE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Kato Pafos; adult/child €2.50/free; h 8.30am-7pm)
This small, empty fort guards the harbour entrance and is entered by a small stone bridge
over a moat. Most visitors climb to the roof to enjoy the sweeping harbour views. The
castle also serves as an event venue during the Pafos Aphrodite Festival.
The castle is all that remains of an earlier Lusignan fort built in 1391; the rest of it was
destroyed by the Venetians less than a hundred years later. The Ottomans subsequently
used the ground floor as dungeons.
Agia Solomoni & the Christian Catacomb ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Leonoros Apostolou Pavlou, Kato Pafos) F
This modest tomb complex is the burial site of the seven Machabee Brothers, who were
martyred around 174 BC. Their mother was Agia Solomoni, a Jewish woman who became
a saint after the death of her sons. It is thought that the space was a synagogue in Roman
times. The entrance to the catacomb is marked by a collection of votive rags tied to a large