Agia Solomoni Catacomb

Agia Solomoni Catacomb is an underground Christian chapel in Kato Paphos, on the southwest coast of Cyprus, a short walk from the Paphos Archaeological Park and the church of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa. The name honours Solomone, a Jewish woman who, according to tradition, was martyred with her seven sons. The site began as a Hellenistic tomb cut into the rock and was later used as a place of Christian worship, with its walls decorated in later periods.

Visitors descend a short flight of steps into a small, cool, rock-cut chamber. Inside are faded frescoes, icons and a spring that is believed to have healing properties. A small chapel area holds candles and offerings, and the space is quiet and atmospheric. Outside the entrance stands a famous wishing tree, an old tree whose branches are covered in strips of cloth, handkerchiefs and ribbons left by visitors who tie them in hope of a cure or wish. Both Christian and Muslim visitors have traditionally used the site, and it is regarded with respect by local people.

A visit is short, often 15 to 30 minutes. The site is small and rarely crowded, though groups from nearby attractions can stop in at midday. Mornings and late afternoons are quiet and the light on the tree is pleasant for photographs. Visitors should dress modestly and keep quiet inside the chapel, and photography indoors may be restricted. The entrance is often open during the day, but opening times are not fixed, so confirming locally is wise.

The catacomb is free to enter, though a donation is customary. It is easily combined with the archaeological park, the Chrysopolitissa church and the harbour on a walking route through Kato Paphos. The steps down are steep and uneven.