CYPRUS: LARNACA

Thanks to its international airport, Larnaca serves as an important entry point to Cyprus.

This well-known tourist city, with 77,000 inhabitants, boasts a beach with clear waters that is directly accessible from the city center.

Directly on the beach, you'll find Larnaca Castle, which now houses a museum.

Larnaca also boasts a modern marina.

Besides the beaches, it is the historical heritage that perfectly complements Larnaca.

Here stands the Saint Lazarus Church of Larnaca, dating from the late 9th century, which was built over the tomb of Lazarus of Bethany.

Remember, Lazarus was resurrected by Christ, and after his resurrection, he is said to have gone to Cyprus, where he was ordained as a bishop by Saint Barnabas.

Inside the church, there is a truly mystical atmosphere, despite the throngs of pilgrims and visitors who flock there.

One of the jewels of St. Lazarus Church is this baroque golden iconostasis.

But the most sacred place is found in the crypt: the second tomb of Saint Lazarus, around which the church was later built.

Pilgrims and believers come here to kiss or place their hands on this sacred tomb.

Another church, just a few kilometers from Larnaca, is located in the tiny village of Kiti.

It is the Orthodox Church 'Panayia Angeloktisti,' dating from the 10th century, which blends Gothic and Byzantine styles.

Just outside of Larnaca, there is also a strange salt lake.

In dry weather, the salt formations are impressive.

Along the edge of the dried-up lake, like a mirage, an oasis of palm trees appears.

In the center of this oasis lies the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.

A closer view on the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque.

All photos of Larnaca and Church of Saint Lazarus © 1996 - 2013 by Richard Soberka