The catacomb of Saint Lambrianos

The catacomb of Saint Lambrianos (Katakomvi Agiou Lambrianou) is located on the homonymous street, on the west side of the Paphos-Kato Paphos road, near the hill of Fabrika and almost opposite of the catacomb of Saint Solomoni of Paphos.

An underground carved area with many chambers that used to serve as a grave of the Hellenistic era, the catacomb of Saint Lambrianos later became a place of worship of the first Christian residents of the new Paphos, before the first overground churches were built at the end of the 4th century AD.

The space is accessible by a narrow stone staircase leading to a small patio. From there, the visitor is guided to the various underground doors leading to small caves. Within them, there are several small portable icons and oblations of the faithful.

According to the sources and the findings of the excavations, the cave initially constituted a small underground complex of chamber tombs dating back to the Hellenistic period. Later, it was the point where the persecuted by the pagans Christians were gathering for their religious ceremonies. Saint Lambrianos was one of the 300 Alamein saints who came and practiced in Cyprus from Palestine, when the Arab raids began. In the province of Paphos, there are two large caves dedicated to this saint, the catacomb of Saint Lambrianos and the other located between Emba Pafou and Mesogi. He is the only saint in Cyprus who is not celebrated, although officially recognized by the Church. Many things about his life are not known. One of the few informations available of him is his icon painted by hagiographer Parthenios in the late 18th or early 19th century.

Very close to the catacomb, there is also the Ancient Theater of Paphos on the hillside of Fabrika, as well as the cave of Agios Agapitikos.