
Best of Larnaca
The historic city of Larnaca is Cyprus’ most ancient living city. The inhabitants of all other ancient cities of Cyprus left their homes at some point in history for one reason or other. But the people of Citum (now Larnaca), even when their city was leveled by earthquakes and the harbor dispersed in the sea, remained in the area and it is still here after 6,000 years.
St Lazarus church was built in the 9th centuryby Byzantine Emperor Leo around the tomb of Biblical Lazarus, brother of Mary. Lazarus came to Larnaca and became the island’s first bishop. His tomb is under the main altar of the church, which is well preserved and adorned with Byzantine icons and a fabulous temple. Hala Sultan Tekke is a very famous mosque in the city of Larnaca. It was built in a manner that gives you the feeling that it is balancing. The importance of this mosque lies in the fact that the tomb of the foster mother of Prophet Mohammed (whose name was Umm Haram) is said to be in this mosque. Larnaca Castle is along the beach, near Ankara Street, where you will immediately see it. It was built in 1625 and originally served as a prison. From its walls, you can enjoy a view of the Scala Quarter.
The Kition Archaeological Site and the Acropolis of ancient Kition prove that Kition was founded by Mycenaean traders in the 13th century BC, destroyed and rebuilt by a new wave of Aegean immigrants. The Phoenicians conquered the town in the late 9th century BC. This part of the city was once the capital of the whole island. Little remains are to be seen today, unfortunately. Only a few remnants of Heracles' and Aphrodite's temples and several gold, bronze and ivory objects dating from the 13th century BC is all that can still be seen.
Best Of Larnaca