Catacombs of Saint Solomonia
This amazing landmark is located right in the heart of the city — it would be a sin not to visit.
Catacombs in the center of Paphos
Located in Kato Paphos, the Agia Solomonia Church is a chapel that forms part of a small underground complex of tomb chambers from the Hellenistic period. In medieval times, it was a popular pilgrimage site and was known as the "Chapel of the Seven Sleepers" or "The Seven Maccabees."
The cave is an open area surrounded by five rock-cut chambers, one of which contains a spring. The western chamber has an apse built into the western wall and remnants of 12th-century Christian wall paintings. Among the inscriptions carved into the plaster, there are names of 13th-century Crusaders.
Above the catacombs stands a sacred tree, its branches adorned with colorful rags and pieces of clothing left by the faithful as offerings to the saint. It is believed that the tree has healing properties.
The spring of water in one of the chambers is said to cure various eye diseases. However, since it is not a flowing spring, think twice before drinking the water.
Saint Solomonia
Saint Solomonia was one of the first to reject idolatry and accept Christianity on the island.
According to legend, Solomonia hid in a cave to escape Roman persecution, but they walled up the entrance, condemning her to a slow and cruel death. However, the legend says that when the cave was opened 200 years later, the saint emerged alive.
Another version of the legend tells that Solomonia lived here with her seven sons. But soldiers of the Syrian king Antiochus killed all her children in front of her because they refused to renounce their faith. This is where the name "Chapel of the Seven Sleepers" comes from.
How to get to the catacombs
Since they are located in the city center, you can easily reach them on foot. The exact location is shown on the map below the text.
If you are traveling by car, you can park at these coordinates: 34.760337185388565, 32.41243527637133.
By bus, you can reach the landmark directly from other parts of the city; the bus stop is called Agia Solomoni Catacomb. The following routes stop here:
- 603 (Harbor — Karavella Bus Station),
- 606 (Geroskipou Beach — Paphos Port),
- 611 (Harbor — Geroskipou Water Park),
- 615 (Harbor — Coral Bay Beach).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Catacombs
How much is the entrance fee to the catacombs?
Entrance to the Agia Solomonia catacombs is free.
What should I bring to the catacombs?
It is dark inside, especially after the bright sunlight outside, so keep a flashlight handy. And of course, always carry water with you.
What is there to see nearby?
Since the Paphos Archaeological Park is very close by, it would be a crime not to visit it as well. Here’s our guide to this site. The old town of Paphos is just a 10-minute drive away, and you can take a stroll around it.
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…