2 Must-Visit Basilicas in Paphos
With a history dating back more than 8 thousand years starting from the Stone Age to the Hellenistic and Roman periods as well as the Byzantine to contemporary times, you can all imagine that Paphos is home to an abundance of historic treasures for holidaymakers to see. Most of Paphos historic landmarks and ancient ruins have been designated in the World UNESCO Heritage list, a fact proving the city’s historic and cultural significance.
We present two remarkable basilicas that all holidaymakers should visit while in Paphos. Let’s meet Panagia Limeniotissa and Theoskepasti Church!
Panagia Limeniotissa Basilica is found near the city’s picturesque harbour in Kato Paphos. The marvellous basilica was initially constructed in the 5th century. Limeniotissa was dedicated to Our Lady of the Harbour; hence the name as Limani in Greek means Harbour. Two centuries later Limeniotissa Basilica was destroyed during Arab raids. However, the basilica was reconstructed only to be hit by a disastrous earthquake in the 12th century. Although the basilica is in ruins, visitors marvel at the well-preserved mosaic floors as well as a handful of columns.
As legend has it, Theoskepasti Church was protected by God during Arab raids. It is said that God sent a fog to cover the church during the Arab attacks, making it invisible and thus remaining intact. This is the reason the church was named Theoskepasti, meaning Veiled by God. The modern church was constructed in 1923, on a dominating cliff overlooking Kato Paphos from above. The visitors of the church marvel at its many ecclesiastical treasures such as its ancient icons and wood-carved iconostasis. The church is also home to a silver-covered icon depicting the Virgin Mary, which is believed to have been painted by Luke the Evangelist.
Paphos is home to thousands of ancient landmarks all worth visiting. The city is known as the historic and cultural hub of the island for good reason. Visitors have lots of sightseeing to do while enjoying their holidays in the picturesque city of Paphos, a tourist resort that fuses the past and present perfectly!