More and more Poles are making pilgrimages to Cyprus. In the footsteps of St. Paul, St. Barnabas, and St. Lazarus.

For years, Cyprus has been associated primarily with beaches and sunny weather. However, it is also increasingly becoming a destination for pilgrimages.

The island is visited not only by tourists but also by those wishing to visit sites associated with the origins of Christianity. It was here that St. Paul and St. Barnabas made their first missionary journey, and according to tradition, Cyprus was the first country ruled by a Christian governor.

In the footsteps of St. Paul and St. Barnabas

St. Paul's first missionary journey began in Cyprus around 45 AD.

Together with St. Barnabas – a native of Salamis in Cyprus – they traveled the island from Salamis to Paphos, preaching the Gospel. In Paphos, after meeting the Roman governor Sergius Paulus, Christianity first reached the highest levels of state authority.

St. Paul's Column in Paphos

One of the most important pilgrimage sites is St. Paul's Column located at the church of Panagia Chrysopolitissa in Paphos.

According to centuries-old tradition, it was to this column that the apostle was tied and flogged before beginning his missionary activity on the island.

Today this place is visited by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

Did you know that…

Cyprus is considered the first state in the world governed by a Christian governorThis happened after the conversion of the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus during the stay of St. Paul and St. Barnabas on the island.

Tomb of St. Barnabas

Not far from ancient Salamis is the monastery of Saint Barnabas.

According to tradition, this is where the apostle, who was born in Cyprus and devoted his life to preaching Christianity, was buried.

This is one of the most important places for the Cypriot Orthodox Church.

Saint Lazarus of Larnaca

For many pilgrims, the Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca is also a must-see.

Tradition holds that after Jesus' resurrection, Lazarus came to Cyprus, where he became the first bishop of the city of Kition. His tomb lies beneath the temple, which is one of the most important religious monuments on the island.

More and more ready pilgrimage routes

Cyprus has been developing religious tourism for many years.

Official pilgrimage routes have been established, leading through places associated with the activities of St. Paul and St. Barnabas, the monasteries in the Troodos Mountains, and the most important temples inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It's worth knowing

Many pilgrimage organizers combine visits to holy sites with a seaside getaway. Thanks to the short distances, you can visit a historic temple, an archaeological site, and a beach in a single day.

Not only for believers

Although pilgrimages are religious in nature, many of the places visited also delight with their history and architecture.

Medieval monasteries, Byzantine churches and archaeological sites allow us to better understand the role Cyprus played in the development of Christianity.

It is this combination of history, spirituality and Mediterranean landscapes that makes the island attract more and more pilgrims – including from Poland.

Sources: Visit Cyprus, Paphos Regional Board of Tourism, Euronews – Religious Tourism in Cyprus.