Where is Larnaca: location, attractions and interesting facts

There are not many cities on the planet that would have been inhabited since the day of foundation in ancient times and up to the present day. Ancient city-state Kition, where Larnaka is located - a large port city in Cyprus, founded in the 13th century BC. E. Whatever the hard times, this city remained true to itself and its traditions.

History of Larnaca

It is mentioned in the Bible as the settlement of Kitim, which was built by Noah's grandson. By the 9th century, this city had become such an important and large port at the intersection of trade routes between Europe and Asia, that even if raids were made and it was ruined, it was quickly restored.

The Mycenaean Greeks first settled in Larnaca, but as far as its arrangement and the increase in strategic importance for the right to own the city fought Phoenicians, Persians, Egyptians, Assyrians, etc. Under the Phoenicians, for example, it reached unprecedented power and prosperity, but to whomever it belonged, always Remained an autonomy.

Sailors and merchants of antiquity knew well where Larnaca was, although it was only in the 12th century that the city got its name. This is due to the fact that an ancient burial was discovered on its territory, and the word "larnaca" means "sarcophagus".

Today it is a well-known all over the world resort, all beaches of which have a sign of ecological purity - the blue flag. Archaeological excavations and UNESCO-protected ancient city is located in the center of the place where Larnaca is located. In which country, except Cyprus, you can not only relax on a beautiful beach, but also feel like a scientist, having been among the workers of the current expedition!

Beaches

Unlike other resorts of the island, in Larnaca, tourism is only developing, and the infrastructure of beaches continues to settle. Probably, therefore, here is the cheapest holiday in Cyprus. In addition, where there is the city of Larnaca, there are no white beaches. The sand has a yellowish shade, and it must be cleaned daily from seaweed.

On the Mackenzie beach, for example, sand is a gray-yellow shade, but it is wide enough, and its gentle descent into the sea makes it very attractive for couples with children and the elderly to relax. Its landmark is the embankment, which runs just behind the pedestrian road that separates the beach area from the city limits. There are numerous cafes and bars where you can eat deliciously and inexpensively without going back to the hotel for this.

Finikoudes is another beach famous for its date alley, which is loved not only by guests of the city, but also by local people.

The resort area, where Larnaca is located, is equipped with three-star hotels, which also makes the resort accessible to low-income tourists. Probably, therefore, in the season all the rooms here are occupied, and the beaches are overcrowded.

Church of St. Lazarus

This temple is the most revered Christian shrine on the island. Resurrected by Jesus on the fourth day after his death, Lazarus arrived in Cyprus in the year 45, when he was still known to the whole world as Kition. In 47 AD, the apostles Paul and Barnabas visited him, who made Lazarus the first Kition bishop. The temple was built in the 9th century on the burial place of the saint, but by that time his relics had been forgotten. Only the fire and further reconstruction of the church helped to detect the steps that go under the ground, where there was an ancient crypt. Today, the sarcophagus with relics can be seen by visiting the temple, which is one of the oldest existing Christian churches on the island.

Visiting it for free. Women in the service do not need to cover their heads with a handkerchief, but if the visitor is in trousers, the attendant will strongly recommend wearing a special apron.

Fortress of the Crusaders

Larnac Castle was built as a fortress in the 14th century. Its main purpose was to protect the harbor from the attack of pirates. At that time, Lusignans ruled Cyprus. Until the 17th century, it was repeatedly subjected to destruction and fires, so that each time it was rebuilt and rebuilt. When the island went under the control of Britain, the castle was made prison, where the executions of criminals were carried out until 1948.

After that, the museum of the Middle Ages was opened in it, where there are many interesting exhibits telling about different epochs of the development of Cyprus - from the early Christianity of the Lazar times to the 20th century. Today there are fairs and festivals on the territory of the castle, which are worth a visit, since the Cypriots love to have a rest and have fun, which means that there will be music, dancing and tasty local food.

Salt Lake

The city of Larnaka, where this lake is located, for thousands of years was a place where people came for salt. Today it is also mined here. It is interesting that in the hot time, when the water evaporates, the lake is covered with a layer of salt up to 10 cm thick. As it shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow in the sun, all the guests of the city come to see it.

In the winter, the lake is filled with water, and then people come to see the migratory birds that come here for the winter. Here you can see ducks, swans and pink flamingos at the same time.

Specially for the inspection of this unique natural monument around it are benches that are never empty, so beautiful the lake at any time of the year.

Diving other entertainment

Thanks to sunken in 1980, the ferry "Zenobia" all diving lovers know where Larnaca is in Cyprus. The very collapse of the ferry was an unforgettable event - a snow-white giant slowly fell to one side, not far from the island in broad daylight.

Today, it is being dived both by beginners and experienced divers, although it is at a shallow depth. Traveling through its corridors and cabins is an interesting sight, although the ferry itself can be seen from the pleasure boat, so there is clear water here.

Larnaka, where there are so many ancient attractions, will be an interesting place for elderly people and couples, and for young people. The nightlife of the city is boiling in clubs and numerous discos.

Do not be disappointed and lovers of fishing. To get a good catch, it is best to rent a boat. This trip will be both an inspection of the island from the sea, and excellent fishing.

Pilgrims and believers also know well where Larnaca is. Numerous Christian churches and monasteries, the Muslim mosque of the Hala Sultan Tekke attract thousands of people annually during religious holidays.