Discover Larnaca, The Oldest Living City in Cyprus
Discover Larnaca, The Oldest Living City in Cyprus
Larnaca is a city on the southeast coast of Cyprus. The better foreign airport of Cyprus, Larnaca International Airport is turned up in this city. In past times, Larnaca was cognized as Kition, or in Latin Citium. The biblical name Kittim, though deduced from Citium, was in fact utilized quite generally for Cyprus as an entire, and occasionally by the Hebrews for the Greeks and Romans. Larnaca is colloquially known as “Skala” to the Greek Cypriot community and “skele” to the Turkish Cypriots
Larnaca is the oldest living city of Cyprus. Legend has it that the first settlement at the spot was set up by Noah’s great-grandson Kittim. Unlike other past cities of Cyprus, which were given up by their inhabitants, Larnaca from the time of its setting up 6,000 years ago, has were and still exists on the same site
The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque sea-front which includes rows of palm trees. Much of the activity is centred around the city promenade during the better festivals. The most crucial of these for the city of Larnaka is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, feted in aboriginal summer with a series of social events
It has a population of 72,000 and is the island’s second commercial port and an important tourist resort. To the north of the town lies the island’s oil refinery. The known stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium acclaimed from the city. It is stated he got down his stoic instructing after misplacing everything he had in a shipwreck
A famous Athenian general, Kimon, died at sea defending the city of Citium in a major battle with the Persians of Xerxes. On his deathbed, he urged on his officers to hold back his death from both affiliated and Persians. The cite “Even in death he was undefeated” refers to Kimon. A statue of “Kimon the Athenian” stands proudly on the sea front promenade of contemporary Larnaca
In 1974 Turkey invaded the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Army displaced by force about 200,000 Greek-Cypriots, the inhabitants of its Northern part. Larnaca had and accepted over 40.000 refugees, thus tripling its population overnight, now at 65,000
Larnaca is one of the major seaside resorts in Cyprus. There are many beaches in and around Larnaca which which widen for approx 25 km (16 mi). The main Phinikoudes and McKenzie beaches both have been allocated Blue Flags for environmental cleanliness. With Cyprus Car Hire you can easily diagnose all the beaches and happen your cold spot you like
The archaeological sites and its six museums are in the centre of the town. Summer sports and sea activities are readily accessible. The shops are well stocked and medical care is acceptable. There is one main six-screen cinema named KCineplex which opened up in 2001 and is on the edge of the town. Most English language films are shown in English with Greek subtitles
Within the wider Larnaca district there are 9,500 hotel beds, about 10% of the total all island tourist capacity. Along the Larnaca Bay there are indulgent beach hotels and also hotel apartments or holiday apartments within all price ranges. Prices are generally lower than the rest of the island
Places of interest
The most important site of Larnaca are the ruins of Ancient Kitium. The earliest architectural remains date back to the 13th century B.C. The area was reconstructed by Achaean Greeks. The remains of the Cyclopean Walls, made of large blocks and the analyzable of the five temples, are particularly absorbing
Larnaca Salt Lake fills with water during the winter and is visited by flocks of flamingoes who stay here from November till the end of March. It dries up in the summer. It utilized to yield an acceptable quality of salt which was grated from its dried out up surface. The salt from this lake is now considered afflicted for anthropoid consumption
;Ayia Phaneromeni is a rock cavern with two chambers. The structure suggests that it once was a pagan tomb, possibly dating back to Phoenician times. The place is accredited with individual supernatural properties: thus those who endure from headaches or other diseases take the air three times pear-shaped it and go forth a piece of clothing or a tuft of their hair on the grill in front of the south window. It is also much patronized by girls, whose lovers are sea, who come here to implore for their safety
The Church of Lazarus is another magnificent Orthodox Church in Larnaca which was built in the town over the tomb of St. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. He deceased here and was entombed in the church identified after him. In 890 A.D. his tomb was happened bearing the inscription “Lazarus the friend of Christ”. The marble sarcophagus can be seen inside the church under the Holy of Holies
The Hala Sultan Tekke is about 5 km (3 mi) west of Larnaka, on the banks of the Salt Lake. It is equal to the Christian “monastery”. Within the precincts of this Tekke is the tomb of Umm Haram, stated to be the further mother of Mohammed. According to Moslem tradition Umm Haram deceased on this spot in 647 A.D. while attaching to the Arab invaders. She was entombed here and later the Ottomans constructed the attendant mosque in her honour
The Old Aqueduct known as “The Kamares”, stands outside the town on the way to Limassol. It was constructed in Roman style in 1745 to transport water from a source about 6 miles south of Larnaka into the town. The aqueduct is illumed at night
Another site of interest is the Fort of Larnaca which was set up by the Turks in 1625. This fort is now a museum and its inside courtyard is utilized as an opened air garden theatre during the summer months, by kind permission of the director of antiquities
There you have it, there is certainly plenty to see and do in Larnaca
