Sights in Larnaka
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Pierides Archaeological Foundation Museum
Dimitrios Pierides started his conservation efforts in 1839, as an attempt to salvage artefacts from notorious tomb raiders. Most famous among them was Luigi Palma di Cesnola, Larnaka's first US consul, who spirited away a large number of artefacts, which are now in New York's Metropolitan Museum. The collection was then expanded by Pierides' descendants, resulting in the well-coordinated Pierides Archaeological Foundation Museum, which is housed in Pierides' old residence, an elegant mansion.
The Pierides Archaeological Foundation Museum competes vigorously with the state-operated Archaeological Museum and features artefacts and finds from all over Cyprus, which have det…
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B
Church of Agios Lazaros
The wonderful Church of Agios Lazaros owes its existence to a rather interesting story.
Tradition has it that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Immediately after this, Lazarus was expelled from Jerusalem by the Jews and came to Larnaka, where he was ordained as a bishop by St Barnabas. He reportedly remained a bishop for 30 years. After he died (for the second time) he was buried where the current church stands. His relics did not stay entombed for very long after their discovery in 890, as they were transported to Constantinople and subsequently removed to Marseille in 1204.
The church structure itself is a mix of Latinate and Orthodox influences, the most obvious examp…
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C
Ancient Kition
Much of present-day Larnaka is built over the original site of Ancient Kition, so no further digging can be done without damaging the city (some work was done by Swedish excavators in the 1920s when the new city didn't extend as far as it does now). It is reported that the British carted off the 'rubble' from the site to fill malarial marshes, and thus regressed this already rather sparse site.
What is left of the ancient city is a small site known as Area II, a rather nondescript and essentially uninteresting place about 1km northwest of the city centre. A raised walkway takes you over what is left of the remains of Ancient Kition, where excavations sporadically continue…
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D
Byzantine Museum
In the courtyard of the Church of Agios Lazaros is the Byzantine Museum. From 1964 to 74, the museum's original ecclesiastical collection, containing priceless relics and artefacts, was moved and stored in Larnaka Fort, which had come under Turkish administration following the insurgences of the early '60s. In 1974 the administration of the fort reverted once more to the Greeks, but the priceless treasures had apparently disappeared.
All that is left of the original collection is the catalogue, and the missing items are still being sought. The present collection was assembled in their place, and it's still a fairly extensive and impressive display of Byzantine ecclesiasti…
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Larnaka Fort & Medieval Museum
The prominent Larnaka Fort & Medieval Museum stands at the water's edge separating Finikoudes, Larnaka's promenade, and the old Turkish quarter. Originally a Lusignan-era castle, the present structure is a result of remodelling by the Ottomans from around 1605. It has nice views of the coastal part of town. There is little to see in the castle itself, but the upper floor contains a small Medieval Museum with various displays from Hala Sultan Tekkesi and Ancient Kition.
The open area inside the fort is occasionally used for concerts and other cultural events.
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Grand Mosque
Standing alone on the periphery of both the former Greek and Turkish quarters of Larnaka is the Grand Mosque. Somewhat underused since 1974, the mosque is nonetheless the spiritual home to Larnaka's Muslim community. Built in the 16th century and once called the Latin Holy Cross Church, the current building is the result of 19th-century restoration.
The mosque reluctantly accepts visitors, though not during prayer times, and you may also be able to climb the minaret for a small fee. The views are quite impressive.
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Natural History Museum
The small but interesting Natural History Museum is dedicated primarily to the fauna, flora, geology, insect and marine life of Cyprus. Displayed in a series of eight rooms, the museum is very popular with school groups and is an excellent introduction to the natural history of the island.This is a wonderful place for children, as there is a little playground, and caged pelicans, flamingos, peacocks and macaws outside the museum, surrounded by a lush garden (part of the Municipal Gardens).
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H
Archaeological Museum
This purpose-built place has thorough explanations of items on display. There is a wide collection of pottery from Kition and a reconstructed Neolithic tomb from Choirokoitia, as well terracotta votive figures, Roman glassware and even folk art. Spread out over five rooms, the collection is worth a browse, although not so much if you have already visited the Cyprus Museum in Lefkosia.
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Tourist Submarine
A little bit overpriced, the Tourist Submarine is great fun nevertheless. You and your kids go to the bottom of the Mediterranean to see the shipwreck of the Zenobia - one of the world's top-ten wreck dives. The trips are around one hour long.
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