Tourist information - Larnaca
Seated around the fringe of Larnaca Bay the palm-lined seafront of Larnaca town is alive night and day together with cafes, tavernas, shops and also bars. A sense of historical past is definitely added to the particular scene simply by its fortress castle, which in turn these days is used as being the town's summer ethnic centre. Larnaca is a superb release pad by which to get to know the main and eastern portion of Cyprus. Its good proximity to the Airport Terminal and a quantity of luxurious resorts that have been established alongside its stunning exotic seashores makes a well known travel and leisure center. Larnaca was originally named Kition, or Khittim, and also story has it that the first settlement at the site was founded by Noah's grandson Khittim. Nevertheless the name Larnaca probably comes from the Greek word "Larnax", which when translated indicates sarcophagus, a lot of which have been discovered inside the locale.
The town's heyday was as a possible ancient city kingdom founded from the Mycenean Greeks during the 13th century BC, whenever it enjoyed the dual position of prosperous sea port and main center in the copper trade. Remains of that period excavated in recent years can be seen in its Cyclopean walls along with a complicated of Mycenean temples at the ancient Kition site.
Larnaca was the second home of St. Lazarus, who arrived there after his resurrection and later became its first Bishop. The Church of St Lazarus browsing the center of the town is well worth a trip to The tomb of St Lazarus, who is still the actual patron saint of Larnaca, is under the sanctuary.
The town was not to regain its standing prior to the 17th century, when it became the consular and commercial centre of Cyprus, and it's port once again flourished with trade. It was here that this British landed in 1878 to start their rule of the island.
Much smaller than Nicosia or Limassol, Larnaca includes a population of 62.000 and it has managed to retain a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere. Its main shopping area is Zenon Kitieos Street, a typically busy road of small shops, with an incredibly colorful fruit and vegetable market at the far end.
Larnaca is known for its annual celebration of the Feast of Kataklysmos Greek Orthodox Whitsun - which is an important holiday. The occasion is marked by enthusiastic feasting, singing and dancing.