Catacomb of Phaneromeni Church: An Underground Burial Complex in Cyprus
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.7
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- Cyprus
- Primary era
- Iron Age
- External website
- Open
- Eras represented
- Iron Age, Classical
- Civilizations
- Phoenician
- Site type
- Religious
- Remains
- Tomb
On this page9 sections
History
The Catacomb of Phaneromeni Church is an underground complex in Larnaca, Cyprus, associated with a tomb from the Phoenician period, an ancient eastern Mediterranean civilization active in Cyprus and nearby regions. Its precise date is uncertain, with proposed dates extending from 1200 BC to the fourth century BC. The catacombs belong to the Monastery of Panagia Chrysoleontissa, with Panagia meaning “All-Holy,” a Greek title for the Virgin Mary.
Early Tomb and Discovery
The structure suggests that it began as a pagan tomb, although its exact period has not been established. The tomb was discovered in 1870. Excavations in 2012 revealed two additional tombs connected with the catacomb, extending knowledge of the underground complex beyond the principal chambers.
Christian Worship and Local Tradition
The tombs continue to be used for worship and are associated with practices believed to have magical properties. People seeking help from the Virgin Mary may leave pieces of clothing on the gate. A local tradition relates that the adjacent church was built after a resident dreamed of the Virgin Mary and later found an icon of her near the tombs.
Remains
The catacomb lies beside Phaneromeni Church, with its entrance stairs outside the church and about 7 metres from the building’s east wall. A network of underground passages extends beneath the church, including two large tombs joined by a corridor. The surviving arrangement combines rock-cut burial chambers with later religious use.
Rock-Cut Tombs
Phaneromeni Tomb
The Phaneromeni Tomb, also called the Saint Phaneromeni Rock-cut Tomb, is a cavern excavated directly into natural rock. It contains two chambers connected to the wider catacomb network. A large number of offerings and icons of the Virgin Mary have been found inside the tombs, reflecting their continuing devotional use.
Connected Tombs
Two further tombs were uncovered during excavations in 2012. They are connected with the catacomb and form part of the underground group associated with the church.
Church Setting
Phaneromeni Church
The adjacent church dates to 1920. It is a simple white building with a dome and two bell towers, standing above the catacomb passages and beside the external entrance stairs.
