Kato Paphos Part 6 - Agia Kyriaki
Close Up
Some of the plinths are in pretty good nick, considering how old they are.
To the west of the narthex there was an atrium surrounded by four porticoes (quadriportico). The pavement of both porticoes and the central courtyard were covered with mosaics. In the centre of the atrium there was a circular fountain. Three gates on the western wall of the atrium gave access to the complex from the stone-paved street which is further to the west.
In the mid 7th century, probably during the first Arab raids, some crude alterations took place, and later, towards the end of the 7th century, the Early Christian basilica was abandoned. The activity of the Arab invaders is indicated by some Arabic inscriptions preserved on some of the columns of the nave. These are invocations to Allah for the fallen Muslim warriors. The columns were still standing while incised, before the partial collapse of the building probably by the earthquakes of 685AD.
Familiar Face
There are lots of cats around the church, and this one looked strangely familiar.
After the final destruction and abandonment of this enormous Early Christian complex, the area was converted into a quarry where worked building material was ready to be reused for the construction of secular and ecclesiastical edifices. Lime kilns were constructed for the recycling of the marble architectural pieces into lime.
The devotional use of the area was preserved; a much smaller church was erected within the ruins of the early Christian basilica (not visible today). This church was incorporated into the eastern edge of the nothern inner aisle and probably maintained its episcopal status. It was transformed and rebuilt several times over many centuries of existence. It was finally demolished around 1500 when the existing church of Ayia Kyriaki was constructed.
Back In Time
Sure enough, here they are again. I think its the one on the right.
From The Corner
Ok, so we are now in the corner of the grounds. This is a good place to start our tour from.
Ancient Arches
Moving closer to the church, you can see some of the ruins mentioned in the sign. Those arches indicate that the original floor level was a lot lower than it is now. I guess hundreds of years of earthquakes and dust storms takes its toll...
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eBookCyprus Road Trip 01: the Kathikas - Panagia Loop
Let me take you on a journey around the region of Paphos, Cyprus. Starting at Paphos itself, we travel to Akoursos, then Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Simou. We continue past Lasa and Kannaviou, before taking in the delights of Panagia. Getting a bit more adventurous, we visit the abandoned villages of Statos and Agios Fotios, before passing through Choulou, Letymbou and Polemi, and rejoining the main Paphos - Polis road.
The route is suitable for all types of vehicle, and requires no off-roading. The guide contains about 130 photographs including shots of all the road signs you need to pay attention to, as well as some of the highlights you may experience along the way.
There are also several maps which will help you keep your bearings.
You can do this journey in a day, or you can break it up into chunks. You can also do it in reverse, to get some completely different views. It is entirely up to you.
