This island in the Eastern Mediterranean, standing at the crossroads of three continents, has always been a religious stronghold throughout the ages and was the first Christian state in the world. It was in Cyprus that St Paul the Apostle and Barnabas first travelled in their quest to promote the word of God. St Paul was one of the earliest Christian missionaries and the stone column where he was flogged in AD 45, before converting the Roman governor, is still standing. Many fine examples of Byzantine art have also survived on the island where one will also see the walls and apex of the churches all painted with stunning frescoes.
