History, Archeology, Christianity and Islam converge in Larnaca, a modern port city.
Though Larnaca is part of Cyprus and an important port for the country at that, it would appear that the city belongs to all mankind, preserving our collective inheritance as residents of this planet. It is said that the city was built by Noah's grandson, and the important Neolithic settlement in the area and the migratory birds from distant lands that grace the Salt Lake, combine to give telling credence to this. Christianity and Islam both have deep imprints on the city and tourists can combine a vacation with deep religious experiences in Larnaca's monumental Churches and the shrine built to honor the Aunt of the Prophet himself. Situated as it is at the confluence of Europe and Asia, the city gives every visitor a truly remarkable experience.
Larnaca provides a unique expose to history. It is a delight for those who relish the past but can also kindle a spark in the most hardened modernist. It is fascinating to walk through the city, as rarely can one be transported in such realistic manner back several centuries, in the midst of a modern urban center with cafes and other trappings of spots that all vacationers love. The combination of a calm atmosphere and a warm people will calm the most stressed nerves as will a day on the pristine sands of the Mackenzie beach. There are many cities by the sea but few have kept them with as much love and spirit as you find in Larnaca. You can spend quality time just strolling along the palm fringed avenue, stopping to savor the scene over some beverage at a café.
An important landmark of Larnaca is the Stavrovouni Monastry. It was founded in the 4th century, reportedly with a fragment of the Holy Cross. It has a majestic location on the top of a rocky hill with a commanding view of the countryside. The monks have a rich tradition of icon painting. Women and photography are prohibited and men must be properly dressed if they wish to visit.
Larnaca has many well kept records of its past from the 8th to the 10th century. The Agia Phaneromeni Church is a fine piece of architecture from this period. The Ayios Lazarus is a 9th century Church built on the tomb of St. Lazarus, Larnaca's first Bishop, after his resurrection by Lord Jesus. The architectural highlight of this splendid structure is the decoration of icons on the main doors of entrance. The Church is also worth a visit for its rare museum collection of art, apart from its imposing bell tower. The latter, though of relatively recent origin, is still 150 years old. The Kition archeological site is another experience without which no tourist should return to the city's modern airport! The site has temples and settlements from the 10th century.
Reasons that only accomplished historians can explain, make one jump from the 10th to the 17th century, in the journey along Larnaca's past. The Larnaca Castle, used as a prison by the British, has splendid views and an absorbing collection in its museum. The city does have a range of museums as one might expect, and it is possible to spend days on end browsing amongst rare treasures and still leave much unseen. The 18th century Kamares aqueduct is worth a visit for its imposing and characteristic sweep of the landscape.
A visit to the Lefkara village sets a suitable tone for the end of a Larnaca visit. It is known for lace and silver, and while the handicrafts can be sourced from one's hotel shopping mall or an up-market boutique, purchases from the friendly craftspeople leaves lasting fragrance on your souvenirs.
