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Larnaca
Larnaca is home to the international airport in Cyprus and is also the second largest port in the region, which makes it the international gateway for holidays in Cyprus. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and has plenty of historical sightseeing on offer to complement its deep-blue sea, bright sandy beaches and reliably sunny skies. With its 400-berth marina, Larnaca is also a favoured destination for visitors with yachts. Land-based tourists enjoy the palm-lined harbour promenade and the city's international calibre shops, inviting cafes and panoramic ocean views. The city was called Kition in the days of the Old Testament and the ruins of the ancient city can still be seen. Much of its rich archaeological heritage has been preserved and is showcased in two of its main museums. The surrounding area beyond the city is also a treasure-trove of historic ruins from the Neolithic period onwards.
District Museum
The modern District Museum in Larnaca is only a walking distance from the town centre and is home to a fascinating collection of artefacts, which date back to Neolithic and Roman times. Well-lit displays feature archaeological finds from Kition, including a ceramic collection with alabaster vases, tools, coins and lamps. Wall cases hold diverse pieces like faience scarabs, limestone seals, bone implements and engraved stone blocks. The museum is open daily.
Address: Kalogreon Square; Telephone: (24) 630 169; Opening time: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 2.30pm; Thursdays 3pm to 6pm (except July and August); Admission: C£ 0.50
Ancient Kition
The remains of five temples in the north west of Larnaca, which date back to the thirteenth century BC, make up the ruins of Ancient Kition. Of particular interest is the Phoenician Temple of Astarte, which was built on the ruins of an earlier Bronze Age temple. The lower part of the northern city walls, built of huge stones resembling Mycenaean cyclopean walls, are also still visible.
Opening time: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 2.30pm; Thursdays 3pm to 6pm (except July and August); Admission: C£ 0.50
Church of Ayios Lazaros
The most important religious institution in Larnaca is the ninth century church, which is devoted to St Lazarus and named the Church of Ayios Lazaros. Lazarus is believed to have lived at ancient Kition for 30 years after his resurrection by Jesus Christ, and was ordained Bishop of Kition by Saints Barnabas and Mark. The Church was built by the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI above what was believed to be the empty grave of Lazarus, whose final resting place is in Marseilles, France. Eight days before the Greek Orthodox Easter each year the Baroque wood-carved icon of Saint Lazarus normally stored in the church is carried in a procession through the streets of the town.
Opening time: Open daily; Admission: Free
Larnaca Medieval Museum
Larnaca's Medieval Museum is filled with historical treasures and housed within the ancient Larnaca fort on the seafront. The fort was built in 1625 and was used as a prison during the early years of British rule. The fort also operates as the Larnaca Municipal Cultural Centre during the summer.
Address: Larnaca Fort; Opening time: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5pm; Thursday 7.30am to 6pm; Admission: C£ 0.50
Choirokoitia
One of the oldest Neolithic sites on Cyprus dates back to 7,000 BC and is situated on the Lefkosia-Lemesos road, just twenty miles from Larnaca. Choirokoitia (also known as Khirokitia) was home to primitive farmers who cultivated wheat and barley. Visitors can explore the settlement's defensive wall, circular houses and tombs. The site is close to the dry Maroni riverbed atop a hill that was once covered in dense vegetation. It was first excavated in 1934, but excavations by French archaeologists are continuing. Four of the beehive-shaped houses made of mud and stone have been reconstructed to show how these early farmers lived. Most of the archaeological finds from Choirokoitia are displayed in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia.
Telephone: (24) 322 710; Opening time: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm; Admission: C£0.75
