Tourist information -
Larnaca
Sat on the edge of Larnaca Bay the palm-lined seafront
of Larnaca town is alive day and night with cafes, tavernas, shops
and bars. A sense of history is added to the scene by its fortress
castle, which today is used as the town's summer cultural centre.
Larnaca is an excellent launch pad from which to get to know the
central and eastern section of Cyprus. it has good proximity to
the International Airport and a number of luxury hotels that have
been developed along its beautiful sandy beaches make this a popular
tourism center. Larnaca was originally named Kition, or Khittim,
and legend has it that the first settlement at the site was founded
by Noah's grandson Khittim. But the name Larnaca almost certainly
derives from the Greek word "Larnax", which when translated
means sarcophagus, many of which have been discovered in the locale.
The town's heyday was as an ancient city kingdom established by
the Mycenean Greeks in the 13th century BC, when it enjoyed the
dual position of rich sea port and major centre of the copper trade.
Remains of that period excavated in recent years can be seen in
its Cyclopean walls and a complex of Mycenean temples at the ancient
Kition site.
Larnaca was the second home of St. Lazarus, who arrived there after
his resurrection and later became its first Bishop. The Church of
St Lazarus standing in the centre of the town is well worth a visit
The tomb of St Lazarus, who is still the patron saint of Larnaca,
is under the sanctuary.
The town was not to regain its standing until the 17th century,
when it became the consular and commercial centre of Cyprus, and
it's port once again flourished with trade. It was here that the
British landed in 1878 to begin their rule of the island.
Much smaller than Nicosia or Limassol, Larnaca has a population
of 62.000 and has managed to retain a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere.
Its main shopping area is Zenon Kitieos Street, a typically busy
road of small shops, with a wonderfully colourful fruit and vegetable
market at the far end.
Larnaca is known for its annual celebration of the Feast of Kataklysmos
Greek Orthodox Whitsun - which is an important holiday. The occasion
is marked by enthusiastic feasting, singing and dancing.
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