Agia Solomoni Catacombs — Attraction in Paphos Municipality

The Catacombs of Paphos are a significant part of the region’s rich historical tapestry. One of the most notable catacombs is the Catacomb of St. Solomon, which is a popular pilgrimage site known since the 15th century. It is located southwest of the Fabrica hill and is dedicated to St. Solomon, or Hanaa, the mother of the 7 Maccabees. This site is part of a complex of 4 underground caves carved around a patio, dating back to Hellenistic times and used for burial practices before the advent of Christianity in Cyprus.

Inside the catacombs, you can find remnants of a rudimentary built iconostasis and frescoes dating to the late 12th century, including one of the earliest depictions of Christ’s Beatitudes on the arch in Cyprus. There are also later engravings with Greek and Latin characters from the 15th-16th century and the 17th century respectively1. A natural underground cave with a well believed to have healing properties is also part of the catacombs.

Visitors often tie a piece of cloth in the Terebinth tree outside the church, invoking the help of the Saint for healing from diseases. The Catacomb of St. Solomon is celebrated by the Greek Orthodox Church every 1st of August, and it’s a tradition for the faithful to hang a piece of cloth on the tree on this day.

These catacombs ffer a unique glimpse into the past and serve as a testament to the region’s historical and religious significance. If you’re planning to visit, it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the early Christian...

The Agia Solomoni Catacomb is a fascinating historical site located in Kato Paphos, Cyprus. It’s part of a small underground complex of chamber tombs from the Hellenistic period and has served as a significant place of Christian pilgrimage.

Here are some prominent features of the Agia Solomoni Catacomb:

Historical Significance: The catacombs were originally chamber tombs and later became associated with Christian worship.

The Chapel: It includes a chapel known as ‘The Chapel of the Seven Sleepers’ or 'The Seven Maccabees’.

Saint Solomoni: Agia Solomoni was one of the first to reject idolatry and embrace Christianity on the island. Legend has it that she took refuge in the catacomb to escape Roman persecution.

Miraculous Escape: According to tradition, when the Romans sealed her in the catacomb, she survived and emerged alive 200 years later.

Sacred Tree: Above the catacombs stands a sacred tree adorned with colorful rags and bits of clothing left by the faithful as offerings, believed to have curative powers.

The catacombs consist of an open court surrounded by five rock-cut chambers, one of which has a spring. The west chamber contains remnants of 12th-century Christian wall paintings and graffiti from the 13th-century Crusaders.

Visiting the Agia Solomoni Catacomb offers a unique blend of history, archaeology, and legend, making it a must-see for those interested in the early Christian...

Im not entirely sure there isn't a little confusion here.There are catacombs by the hope tree but some official photographs show the caverns further up the road as the catacombs.confused but enjoyed both.(just in case).Just to confuse you ive just sourced another name for the caves,The fabrica cave system.So sorry to confuse you on your holiday.Up the road from the wishing(hope tree) are caverns.At the present time,april,may 18 there is construction work and fencing you have to negociate.The shadow in the wall is the entrance to the caverns.It brings out the explorer in me to find hidden...