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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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