To the north of the Agora in the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park are the catacombs. They used to serve as tombs where the inhabitants of Paphos buried the dead. Later, they were used for their meetings by the first Christians who escaped from persecution. These catacombs are one of the most revered Christian shrines in Cyprus.
The most famous catacombs in Paphos are the Catacombs of Agia Solomoni. According to legend, Solomoni fled from Antioch with her 7 sons, because she did not want to observe Jewish customs. They took refuge in these catacombs of Paphos, but the king`s servants found them. Solomoni was spared, and her sons were executed. They were buried in these catacombs, and now the main room is called the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers. An underground early Christian church has also been preserved here.
Ancient frescoes can be seen on the walls. In one of the grottos, the holy spring still beats. At the entrance to the Catacombs of Agia Solomoni, a huge pistachio tree grows, which is more than 600 years old.
Close to Agia Solomoni catacombs are the catacombs of St. Lambrianou. Their territory is smaller. Inside the archaeological park, there are several catacombs where an early Christian basilica used to be located.
