Agios Georgios, the cape of basilicas at Peyia

Follow the coast road on past the sea caves and you come to a cape with a small harbour, a pilgrimage church and an island just offshore. This is Agios Georgios, home to one of the most complete early Christian complexes in the west. Here’s what’s there and why it makes such a rounded visit. The village it belongs to is covered in Peyia.

A pilgrimage site on Cape Drepano

Akamas Municipality explains that Agios Georgios, on the western cape of Cyprus known as Drepano, is a well-known place of pilgrimage in Paphos, the counterpart of Apostolos Andreas on the eastern cape. The small church of St George is medieval, from the 13th or 14th century, and the newer church beside it was consecrated in 1952.

The little fishing harbour lies below, and off the cape sits Yeronisos, which the council describes as the second largest island of Cyprus. Finds there run from the Hellenistic to the early Christian period, including a sanctuary of Apollo.

What makes the basilicas special?

Between 1952 and 1955 the Department of Antiquities excavated three early Christian basilicas and a 6th-century bath house on the cape, and a Greek archaeological mission found further buildings in 1992. According to the council, an unwalled settlement flourished here under Justinian I, between 527 and 565, and was gradually abandoned in the first half of the 7th century. Its wealth came from the sea, as it lay on the route between Alexandria and Constantinople and served as a supply stop for ships carrying wheat to the capital.

Basilica A is the largest. Its three aisles have Corinthian columns and capitals of marble brought from Proconnesus, near Constantinople, and its sanctuary keeps a mosaic of birds, fish, sea turtles and fruit baskets that the council likens to a carpet depicting the world. It had an atrium with a mosaic of wild animals, a baptistery and the bishop’s house. Basilica B produced the founder’s tomb with gold jewellery, and C keeps an attached hostel with a well, a yard for pack animals and an olive press.

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The necropolis by the sea

On the edge of the cliff facing Yeronisos lies the settlement’s necropolis, with monumental tombs carved into the rock, some bearing crosses and inscriptions. Close by, at Aspros, the council places one of the oldest sites on the island, from the early Neolithic.

Getting there

Pafos Buses routes 616 and 616b end at the square by Agios Georgios church. The 616 climbs from Coral Bay through Peyia square, and the 616b follows the coast past the sea caves at Peyia. By car, take the coast road, and from here the way carries on towards Toxeftra, Lara and the Akamas peninsula. No official source I can quote gives opening times or prices for the ruins.

So you do not lose the morning at the ticket office, browse tickets and tours in Agios Georgios, Peyia on GetYourGuide.

If you would rather go at your own pace, see the car hire deals in Paphos: the earlier you book, the more cars are left to choose from.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Coral Bay for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.