About Baptistery of St Lydia

The Baptistery of St Lydia is the place where Apostle Paul baptized Lydia, the first-ever woman to be baptised and the first documented convert to Christianity in Europe. It was here that the first baptismal ceremony was held in Europe.

Biblical Account

Apostle Paul visited a place where Jews gathered on the bank of the Zigaktis River for sabbath worship. Lydia paid close attention to Paul’s preaching causing her conversion. She was baptised in the river and her household along with her. The church commemorates this significant event.

Features of the Church

The octagonal church is a modern architectural monument, decorated with impressive work of art, icons, stained glass. The interior offers mosaics of the 12 apostles and an ancient map of the eastern Mediterranean. Colourful frescoes cover the walls and the dome.