If you believe the ancient legends, the Cyprian city of Larnaca was founded by a direct descendant of Noah. It was also in this city that Saint Lazarus settled after his miraculous resurrection. For a long time the city was the largest port of the island, but now in Larnaka moored only boats and other small vessels, but it is here that the largest airport in Cyprus. But even if you omit all these historical facts, then Larnaca will be able to please tourists with its sights, the sun, beaches and azure sea surface.
What to see in Larnaca?
Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca
As already mentioned, according to the Orthodox belief, after the resurrection Lazar went to Cyprus, namely to Larnaka. In this city he lived about thirty years and died here. In the time of the Arab sovereignty, the tomb of Lazarus was lost, but in 890 it was again discovered and, by order of Emperor Leo VI, was transported to Constantinople. And on the site of the grave of Lazar, a temple was built some time later. In 1972, when the church was restored after the fire of the year 70, remains were found beneath the altar, which were identified as the relics of Lazarus, which probably just were not completely taken to Constantinople.
In addition to interesting legends, the temple impresses with its rich and beautiful decoration.
Salt Lake in Larnaca
According to legend, a salt lake was created by the same Lazarus. Once upon a place of the lake there were rich vineyards, and Lazar, passing by them, asked the hostess to give him one bunch of grapes, to which the landlady said that there is no harvest this year, but that the littered baskets are only salt . Since then, less than a year has passed, as on the site of the vineyards there was a naked, sun dried land, generously covered with salt. Scientists can not explain the amount of salt in a pond, and the legend makes it easy, simple and even instructive.
The lake in its size is large enough - its area is 5 km2. And for the winter thousands of flamingos come to the lake, which add to the landscape of bright colors.
Water park in Larnaca
A large and incredibly interesting water park "WaterWorld" is located near Larnaca, in Ayia Napa. You can get to the city from Larnaka quickly, but the impressions and joys that the water park will give will last a very long time.
The water park is completely stylized to the ancient myths, so you will find there and Atlantis, and the Trojan horse, and the hydra ... In "WaterWorld" all the ancient legends come to life to please you. In general, we can say that this water park is a must for those who like cheerful and vivid impressions.
The Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca
According to, again, the legend, which is full of Larnaka, the aunt of the prophet Muhammad Umm Haram, following the ancient tradition that women accompanied men in battles to take care of them, went to Cyprus with Arab conquerors. During one of the battles that took place near Salt Lake, Umm Haram died, having fallen from a horse. On the site of its fall was placed a gravestone, and later erected a mosque .
Now the mosque is inactive. It held services until the time when Cyprus was divided into Greek and Turkish parts.
Kition in Larnaca
Kition is an ancient city in Larnaca. Kition is Larnaka itself 3 thousand years ago. In those days, the city was inhabited by Phoenicians and Mykene, who left behind many ancient puzzles and ancient ruins, a walk through which will plunge you into past centuries.
The aqueduct in Larnaca
This grandiose structure from the middle of the XVIII century to the 30-ies of the XX century provided the city with water. The aqueduct consists of 75 arches, with a total length of about 10 km. The water pipeline stretches from the Tremithos River directly to Larnaka. The size and beauty of this structure, which in our time has become just a decoration from the past, simply amaze the imagination.
Larnaca is a stunningly beautiful city of sunny Cyprus, which is better to see once than to describe its beauty a hundred times. It is also interesting to visit other cities of Cyprus: Paphos , Protaras or Ayia Napa .