St. Paul’s Pillar, Paphos : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The stunning city of Paphos, located on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, is home to one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks: St. Paul’s Pillar. This stunning, monolithic stone offers a wealth of fascinating historical information, as well as incredible views of the sea and coastline. In this travel guide, we’ll take a look at this beautiful sight, its history and its cultural significance, as well as provide some interesting facts and practical advice for exploring this must-see destination. Read on to find out more about one of Cyprus’ most beloved attractions.

Interesting Facts About St. Paul’s Pillar, Paphos

1. St. Paul’s Pillar is one of the oldest churches in Cyprus, and is thought to have been built before the year 500 AD.

2. It is known that Saint Paul visited the area in 45 AD and preached there to the local population.

3. The pillar is made of local stone, believed to be from a nearby quarry, and is considered to be a monument to St. Paul’s visit.

4. The pillar is a reminder of St. Paul’s trip to Cyprus and his mission to preach Christianity to the island.

5. It is believed that St. Paul ascended the pillar as part of a ritual to sanctify the place and declare it a holy site.

6. In its time, the pillar was a place of religious worship and a symbol of faith for the people of Paphos.

7. The pillar is thought to have been destroyed during the wars of independence in the 1950s.

8. The ruins of St. Paul’s Pillar were discovered and restored in the 1960s.

9. It is now a popular tourist site, attracting visitors from all over the world.

• St. Nicholas Church, Famagusta : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About St. Paul’s Pillar, Paphos

St. Paul’s Pillar, also known as Stavros tis Arxhgois, is an archaeological site located in Kato Paphos, Paphos, Cyprus. The name is derived from the tradition that Saint Paul was tied and flogged at the site before his legendary three-day journey to the third heaven. The Pillar was built as a Roman monument and dates back to the 3rd century.

The Pillar site is believed to be the location of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Juno, an important Roman deity. It is believed that the Pillar was erected to commemorate the goddess. The pillar is believed to have originally served as a styloid, a religious offering of respect to the goddess.

The Pillar stands in the middle of a small public square, surrounded by Doric Greek-style columns with a bronze statue of Saint Paul mounted on top. The statue is said to date back to the 5th century.

Below the statue is a 13th-century Gothic-style plinth featuring an inscribed inscription with the Latin text ‘Pro Fide et Pro Patria’, meaning ‘For Faith and Country’, believed to be a prayer or invocation to ensure the security of the area.

The Pillar is considered to be one of the most significant ancient sites in Paphos and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Due to its cultural significance, the Pillar is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the European Cultural Route 290 – the Via Appia.

• Ancient Kourion, Limassol : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Travel Guide For Visiting St. Paul’s Pillar, Paphos

, Cyprus

St. Paul’s Pillar is a popular tourist destination in Paphos, Cyprus, located in the main square of the old town. The Pillar is an ancient Roman monument that marks where St. Paul was said to have been imprisoned and beaten in the ruins of what was once the Temple of Aphrodite. This monument remains an important cultural and historical landmark and is visited by tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.

Getting There:

The best way to get to St. Paul’s Pillar is by car or taxi. It is located in the main square of Paphos and can be easily accessed by foot or public transportation.

What to See:

The pillar itself is the main attraction. It stands tall and made of white marble, with intricate carvings depicting scenes from St. Paul’s life, and a cross at the top that can be seen from afar. Sightseeing around the Pillar can include exploring some of the nearby attractions such as the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite and the archaeological park.

What to Do:

Visitors to St. Paul’s Pillar have many activities to choose from while sightseeing in the area. It is a popular pilgrimage destination, so many people come to pray at the base of the Pillar. There are also a number of nearby museums and parks that can be explored, as well as the numerous restaurants and cafes located in the square.

Nearby Attractions:

The St. Paul’s Pillar is a great place to start when exploring the city of Paphos. From the Pillar, visitors can visit nearby attractions such as Tombs of the Kings or the Agia Solomoni Catacombs. Other popular attractions in the area include the Paphos Archaeological Park, Byzantine Castle, and the Paphos Archaeological Museum.

• Cyprus Wine Museum, Erimi : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Kato Paphos Castle, Paphos : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Paul’s Pillar, Paphos

Q: What is St. Paul’s Pillar?
A: St. Paul’s Pillar is an ancient Roman pillar located in Paphos, Cyprus. It is believed to be the spot where the Apostle Paul was scourged and bound to stand trial before King Sergius Paulus.

Q: What is the history of St. Paul’s Pillar?
A: According to the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul visited Paphos during his missionary journey in 45CE. Here he encountered and challenged the sorcerer Elymas. The King Sergius Paulus was impressed by Paul’s faith and insight and so ordered him to be brought to the palace. Paul was scourged and then stood bound to this pillar in the royal court.

Q: What can M visitors to St. Paul’s Pillar expect to see?
A: Visitors to St. Paul’s Pillar can expect to see a single column standing 10 feet tall. It is carved from a single piece of red granite and is surrounded by an iron cage to protect it from the elements. Inside are a few religious artifacts associated with St. Paul.

• Hala Sultan Mosque, Larnaca : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide