St. Paul’s Column is an important historical and religious site in the city of Paphos.
It is located within the archaeological site of the Basilica of Panagia Chrysopolitissa.
The archaeological site houses the remains of the largest Byzantine Basilica in Cyprus, dating back to the 4th century.
According to Christian tradition and popular tales, the Apostle Paul was tied to this approximately 2-meter-high limestone column in 45 AD.
He was punished with 39 lashes for preaching Christianity.
Despite the flagellation, his faith led to the conversion of the Roman governor at the time, making Cyprus one of the first areas in the world to be governed by a Christian.
The pillar is today a key destination for spiritual and cultural pilgrimage, included in many religious itineraries dedicated to missionary journeys.
