Cyprus city of Larnaca - Part 1

Cyprus city of Larnaca - Part 1

Larnaca is known for its palm tree seafront and is home to country’s primary airport, Larnaca International Airport.

Larnaca may pride itself for its contribution to the island’s rich cultural heritage. Built on the site where ancient Kition once stood. It is the successor of one of the ancient city-kingdoms, of Cyprus and the seat of Christianity from its earliest years. Kition was the birthplace of Zenon. The Greek philosopher, who founded the Stoic school of thought and the second home of Jesus friend, Lazarus.
The Achaean Greeks settled in the area in the 13th century BC, while Phoenicians moved here from the 9th century BC. In the 18th century AD it became Cyprus commercial centre, the place where all European consuls established their missions.

Cyprus has conquered by many great powers in the region. The Assyrian empire, then by Egypt, the Persians. The Athenians helped to revolt Persian rule. The New city Larnaca, has a charm of its own. In the winter months thousands of Flamingos, wild swans and other migrating birds make their annual stopover at the nearby salt lake. This is located just north of the Airport, the hundreds of Flamingos will stay from November until the end of March. Thereafter they continue to migrate. The Salt from the lake is considered no longer fit for human consumption. Many years ago the salt was recovered with old conventional farm equipment. Pulled by the local donkeys (who today are under animal protection).

The climate is attractive in the winter months for tourist, as temperature range between 17 – 28 celcious.

The economy in Larnaca is very much driven by tourism. If you are interested in the local cuisine there are large number of seafood restaurants along the beach, cafes, that also cater for continental and international cuisine.

The district of Larnaca has many interesting places to visit, particularly ancient. Byzantine and Moslem monuments, such as the renowned Hala Sultan Tekke.

In Larnaca city there are many archaeological interesting places to visit.

Agios Lazaros (Sain Lazarus) church is a magnificent 9th century stone church situated in the centre almost of the city. It was built by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI and restored in the 17th century. The church is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus. The biography of Saint Lazarus mention that he came to Cyprus after being resurrected by Jesus, was ordained as Bishop of Kition by the Apostles Barnabas and Paul and lived there for 30 years. His tomb can be seen under the sanctuary. Eight days before Orthodox Easter a procession is held during which Saint Lazarus icon is carried through the streets of Larnaca.

Kition archaeological ruins of the ancient city-kingdom dating 13th century BC are open for visits within the city. Excavations have revealed cyclopean walls made of giant blocks of stone and a complex of five temples. Nearby lay the foundations of the ancient port of Kition, an important commercial centre in ancient Cyprus. Interesting drawings of ships are etched into the walls of buildings.

In Larnaca you will find the district archaeological museum. The museum collections consist mainly finds from Neolithic settlements of Cyprus, Choirokitia , Tenta and ancient city kingdom of Kition. The artifacts found are mainly Ivory and Alabaster, evidence of the commercial and international relations between Cyprus and the regions of the Eastern Mediterranean.