Church of Saint Lazarus
Larnaca's landmark 9th-century stone church, built over the tomb of Saint Lazarus, with a richly carved iconostasis and a crypt you can visit.
Photo: Hannes Grobe/BHV / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
According to Orthodox tradition, Lazarus came to Kition (ancient Larnaca) after being raised from the dead and served as its first bishop. The church was built in the late 9th century by Byzantine emperor Leo VI over the tomb thought to be his. The elegant bell tower was added in the 19th century.
Inside, the gilded wooden iconostasis is one of the finest examples of Baroque wood carving in Cyprus. The crypt beneath the sanctuary holds the stone sarcophagi. A small Byzantine museum sits in the courtyard.
Good to know
It is an active church, so dress modestly and avoid visiting during services. The Easter week celebrations are especially moving.
Perks nearby
No partner within 10 km yet. Partners join through the year, and this page updates as they do.
Larnaca: more places
All places in Larnaca →
Hala Sultan TekkeA serene Ottoman mosque and shrine among palm trees on the shore of Larnaca Salt Lake, one of the most important Muslim holy sites in the region.
Larnaca Salt LakeA network of four salt lakes beside Larnaca, a protected wetland where flocks of greater flamingos spend the winter.
Finikoudes Beach & PromenadeLarnaca's palm-lined seafront promenade and town beach, with calm, shallow water in the heart of the city.