Larnaca History
Kition
The ancient city-kingdom of Kition was located where Larnaca stands today, and it is said that the name of the city dates back to the 13th century B.C., to the time of the Noachian Flood. According to the book of Genesis, the city-kingdom of Kition was named after its founder, Kitim, who was the grandchild of Noah
Ancient Port of Kition
The Ancient Port of Kition is the reason why Larnaca has been the epicenter of intense urban activity of the last 4000 years. Historical data shows frequent occurrence of trade actions among Kition and Egypt, Crete, the Aegean Islands and the Phoenicians. The island of Cyprus, and particularly the wider area of Larnaca, was rich in copper, and all exports of this particular metal would take place at the Port of Kition. Today, the Ancient Port of Kition has returned to the limelight, thanks to efforts by the government and Municipality of Larnaca to promote sightseeing of the Shipyard, located near the Port, and the majestic temples of Aphrodite-Astarte and Hercules, as well as the large-scale mosaic, discovered in 2016, which depicts the Twelve Labors of Hercules.
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, one of the world’s greatest military generals, had two loves: his horse, Bucephalus, and his sword. This famous sword was gifted to the Macedonian king by the King of Kition, during their meeting in Asia Minor in 332 B.C., and it features the emblems of the 3 crowns of the dynasty of Kition. Today, it is housed at the museum of Aigai, in Vergina, Thessaloniki.
Religion & The Church of Saint Lazarus
Larnaca is home to two great monuments from the world’s largest religions, Christianity and Islam.
According to Christianity, Saint Lazarus was the only man to ever be resurrected. He left Bethany in 33 A.D. and chose to spend the rest of his life in Kition. In the 4th century, around the time that Christianity was established as the state religion by the Roman Empire, a church in his memory was built above his grave. Today, this exquisite church is located in the central part of Larnaca, and is visited by thousands of people who wish to pay respects to its impressive architecture as well as the relics of Saint Lazarus.
Hala Sultan Tekke / Mosque of Umm Haram
Umm Haram was the holy assistant of the Prophet Muhammad himself, and suffered a tragic death when she fell of her donkey in Larnaca. Her husband, Ubada bin al-Samit ordered the construction of the mosque in her memory. The mosque is located near the west bank of the Larnaca Salt Lake, and is considered one of the city’s most important historical monuments. Today, visitors of the mosque can enjoy the peaceful serenity of the shrine, as well as the view of the Larnaca Salt Lake and its flamingoes in the winter
Larnaca Port Marina
In November 2016, the Republic of Cyprus announced an invitation for tenders for the development of the Port and Marina of Larnaca, a project named after the goddess of the sea, Amfitriti. Studies of the project have identified three particular investment options: Table goes here The location of Cyprus and its near proximity to the holiday destinations of Rhodes, Crete, Antalya, Marmaris, Alexandria and Port Said means that the Larnaca Port is the best location for the creation of infrastructure to accommodate large cruise ships as well as mega yachts. Additionally, the location of Larnaca in the center of Cyprus provides opportunities to tourists and visitors to take short day-trips both in and around Larnaca as well as throughout Cyprus. The island’s many archaeological sites, beautiful natural destinations, and beaches with clear waters are all within easy reach. This, combined with the fact that Larnaca is home to the island’s main international airport, are two significant advantages taken into consideration for the construction of the Larnaca Port and Marina.