Hrysopolitissa Basilica

Lonely Planet review

This fairly extensive site, which is still being excavated, was home to one of Pafos' largest religious structures. What's left are the foundations of a Christian basilica (built in the 4th century), which aptly demonstrate the size and magnificence of the original church; it was ultimately destroyed during Arab raids in 653. Green-marble columns from this church lie scattered around the site and mosaics from the church floor are still visible.

Further incarnations of the basilica were built over the years, leading to the present small Agia Kyriaki church. The overall area is loosely roped off, so you can't get a total picture of the remains.

What is visible on the western side of the basilica is the so-called St Paul's Pillar, where St Paul was allegedly tied and scourged 39 times before he finally converted his tormentor, the Roman governor Sergius Paulus, to Christianity.

On the northwest side of the site is a tiny early-Christian basilica, the entrance to which has been almost completely taken over by the gnarled root of a nearby tree.