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 example being the prominent bell tower that is visible from some distance. The church, ransomed from the Ottomans in 1589, was used by Catholic and Orthodox worshippers for some 200 years. This is affirmed by inscriptions in Latin, French and Greek that can be seen in the portico.

The Tomb of Lazarus, without Lazarus in it, is under the altar, accessible by stairs to the right. In fact, it comprises just one of several sarcophagi in the catacomb, suggesting that the area was used as a general burial place.In the courtyard of the church is the Byzantine Museum.