Pafos :: Cyprus

Cyprus Larnaca History
Larnaca, a town with an easy-going pace, has strong links to the past. In the heart of modern Larnaca one finds remains of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition, reminiscent of its glorious days. The Mycenaean Greeks fortified the town with cyclopean walls in the 12th century while the Phoenicians founded a powerful kingdom here in the 9th century. Kition is the birthplace of the philosopher Zeno, founder of the Stoic School, and it is here that Saint Lazarus came to live after his resurrection. In the 18th century it became a commercial centre and tlie seat of the European consulates. Tlie delightful Palm Trees Promenade, its fort, and its old quarters give Larnaka its unique character. The nearby salt lake is a favourite stop-over spot for thousands of migrant birds in winter, whilst on its edge in a tranquil setting stands a popular Muslim pilgrimage place. The whole district of Larnaca has something special to offer the visitor, including Choirokoitia, the oldest Neolithic settlement on the island, Slavrovouni Monastery, Agios Lazaros Church and the famous Church of Angeloktisti.
Saint Lazarus is the patron saint of Larnaca.Kition became his second home after his resurrection by Christ, and he lived here for another 30 years. He was ordained Bishop of Kition by Saints Barnabas and Mark. In the 9th century a magnificent church was erected over his tomb by Emperor Leo VI. The church, one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus, was faithfully restored in the 17th century, and the iconostasis is an excellent example of baroque woodcarving. Visitors can see the tomb of Saint Lazarus under the sanctuary and the ecclesiastical museum behind the church. Eight days before the Greek Orthodox Easter the icon of Saint Lazarus is taken in procession through the streets of Larnaca. The Pierides Museum is the oldest privately owned museum in Cyprus, set up by Dimitrios Pierides (1811 -1895). It houses ancient, medieval, Byzantine and more recent objects belonging to the Pierides family. A display case of modern Greek and Cypriot sculptures can be seen in the courtyard. For more information http://www.cypruslarnaca.com