After being commissioned by the Holy Spirit "for the work to which I have called them " (Acts 13:2, NIV), Barnabas and Saul left Syrian Antioch, by way of Seleucia Pieria, and sailed for Cyprus. Their ministry, along with John Mark, began in the synagogues of Salamis.
Barnabas was a native of Cyprus (Acts 4:36), which probably explains their choice of destination. Acts 11:19-20 provides some tantalising hints about the role of believers from Cyprus, converts from the Day of Pentecost: in the development of the Christian fellowship in Syrian Antioch; in accounting for Barnabas' presence in Antioch; and in his interest in bringing Paul there also. Perhaps, the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit in the launch of the first missionary journey can be detected long before Acts 13:2?
From Salamis they continued their journey west to Paphos. Some commentators question whether they had any firm plans, beyond Cyprus, at the time of their departure. See here for an fascinating discussion of possibilities.
This is the only reference to Salamis in scripture. However, when Paul and Barnabas parted company, Barnabas chose to return to Cyprus with John Mark. (Acts 15:39) It is very likely that they visited Salamis again.
I was able to visit Salamis in 2012, on a personal journey, visiting locations associated with the so-called First Missionary Journey.
When I visited the site was not at all crowded and, because I had been provided with a personal guide, I was able to wander at leisure. The main features visible were the large Roman bath complex, the theatre and the palaestra (exercise area associated with the gymnasium). I saw no evidence of the the synagogues (note the plural in the biblical text) in which Barnabas and Saul conducted their ministry.
Barnabas is memorialised at the Monastery of Saint Barnabas, not far from the archaeological site of Salamis. In the crypt of a chapel at the site is a sarcophagus said to be the last resting place of this pioneer missionary of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Click here for a Google Earth view of Salamis.
The entrance to the archaeological site of Salamis.
Very near to the entrance, the remains of bath complex are quite extensive.
The outdoor exercise area is surrounded by columns. In places, portions of patterned mosaic paving giving a small hint of the elaborate decoration of the area.
The presence of modern staging (in the orchestra), lighting and a sound system, make it obvious that the theatre has been reinstated as a performances venue.
There is a monastery, museum and crypt at the last resting place of Barnabas.