The Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa
The Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa is one of the infinite number of cultural attractions situated in the province of Paphos and specifically at the harbor of the homonymous city.
This archaeological monument is located in the heart of the tourist area of Kato Paphos and next to the homonymous Castle. Very close to the coastal front with the many shops, tavernas, cafes and bars that give life to the city, the Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa is located on the parallel to this road. Although living under the shadow of the famous findings of the nearby Archaeological Site of Kato Paphos, it is still considered one of the most important examples of early Christian architecture.
The Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa was built in the early 5th century, during the Early Christian period, when Cyprus was a part of the Byzantine Empire. At first the temple included three aisles with two rows of marble columns, an arch and a narthex. The floors and walls were decorated with colorful mosaics in geometric shapes.
During the Arab invasions of the 7th century, specifically in 653 AD, the church was almost completely destroyed. At that time, the Arabs used the building for their guards, as workshops, stables and accommodation for the army. In the narthex of the church, they built a tower that served as an observatory, lighthouse or minaret. In 688 AD, the temple was restored as a three-aisled vaulted basilica, but on a smaller scale than the previous one.
In 1159 AD, the Virgin Mary of Limeniotissa was destroyed again with 13 other churches throughout the area of Paphos, according to the sayings of Saint Neofytos. The smallest structure built in the following years was destroyed again by the earthquake of 1222. Since then it has not been restored and there lie its ruins.
The precise location of the ancient church was unknown until 1937, when the first findings were brought to light. The excavations of 1959 unearthed the whole structure that now forms part of the Archaeological Site of Kato Paphos, which belongs to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Today, the visitor can admire the colorful mosaics and some columns that have been restored, while the efforts of the Municipality of Paphos to advance this area with the installation of information signs and lighting the monument have yielded fruit and many foreign and Cypriot tourists come to admire this troubled monument.
The Basilica of Virgin Mary Limeniotissa was probably an intermediary station for many pilgrims who were headed to the Holy Land.