Ayia Solomoni, a catacomb on the main road to the Paphos harbour marks the story of the Seven Sleepers, or the Seven Maccabees. A mother and her seven sons were buried alive in this underground hole for not disavowing their Christianity.
Today, pilgrims go to wash in the spring of holy water there, and leave a piece of their clothing on the tree at the head of the flight of steps that lead to the tomb. The spirits of the Seven Sleepers listen to their prayers and protect them everlastingly.
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
The ‘Did You Know’ series is made possible with the support of OPAP (Cyprus).
