Larnaca Region

Our recommendations for the best sites in and around Larnaca

Hala Sultan Tekkesi Mosque- Built in 648 AD on the spot where Umm Haram died when she fell off her mule during one of the first Arab raids on the island. It is now one of the most important holy places of worship for Moslems after Mecca.

St. Lazarus Church- Saint Lazarus came to Cyprus after being resurrected by Jesus and was ordained Bishop of Kition by the Apostles Barnabas and Mark. His tomb can be seen under the sanctuary of this magnificent 9th century church.

Angeloktisti- The 11th century Byzantine church was built over the ruins of an early Christian basilica, the original apse of the basilica has survived together with a rare 6th century mosaic, one of the finest pieces of Byzantine art.

Kition- Kition was the birthplace of Zeno, the Greek philosopher who founded the Stoic school of thought. The architectural remains of the ancient city kingdom of Kition date back to the 13th century BC and excavations have revealed cyclopean walls made of giant blocks of stone and a complex of five temples.

Stavrovouni- According to legend the monastery was founded in the 4th century by St Helen, mother of the emperor Constantine who left a relic of the Holy Cross at the monastery. The monks are known for their iconography and are of a very strict order so that women may not enter the monastery itself.

Lefkara- The picturesque village of Lefkara is famous for its “lefkaritika” lace and silverware. Legend has it that Leonardo da Vinci himself visited the village and bought an altar cloth of traditional lace which he donated to Milan cathedral. The village has maintained its traditional architecture and the local women can be seen working on their intricate embroidery to this day.

Choirokoitia- Choirokoitia has been a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 and it is a well preserved settlement from the Neolithic age. Five cylindrical dwellings have been reconstructed near the settlement using the same methods and materials found in Neolithic times.

Kalavasos Tenta- The Neolithic settlement close to the village of Kalavasos dates from 7000 BC, the site has been covered by a contemporary cone-shaped roof.