The Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa

Get ready to be transported back in time with a visit to the Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa – the coolest ruined basilica you’ve ever seen.

This bad boy has been around since the beginning of the 5th century (yeah, you read that right), and it’s dedicated to none other than “Our Lady of the Harbour.” But don’t let the word “ruined” fool you – this place is still awe-inspiring.

Located just a hop, skip, and jump north of Paphos harbour (conveniently close to some great restaurants), the Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa is in the Paphos Archaeological Park.

And if you’re a fan of colorful mosaics and restored columns, you’re in for a real treat: The floors and walls are decked out in vibrant mosaics that’ll leave you seeing stars (or squares or triangles, depending on the geometry).

In 1159 AD, things weren’t looking so good for the Virgin Mary of Limeniotissa. The basilica was destroyed, and if you thought that was bad, wait – the minor structure built in its place was taken down again in 1222 thanks to an earthquake. Ouch.

Unfortunately, that was the end of the road for this ancient church. It hasn’t been restored since then, and now all that remains are its haunting ruins.

But here’s the cool part – even though the precise location of the church was unknown for centuries, it was finally uncovered back in 1937. And in 1959, the whole structure was excavated and became part of the Archaeological Site of Kato Paphos. You know what that means – it’s now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

So what are you waiting for? Come check out this ancient gem and soak up some severe history. Don’t forget to snap some pics – your friends won’t believe you otherwise!