Overview:

: Ayios Lazaros Church in Larnaca, Cyprus is a night churches and a basilica-type church dedicated to Saint Lazarus, the friend of Jesus. It was built in the 11thcentury during the Latin period on the site of an older Byzantine church. The Church is a popular place for pilgrimages and plays an important role in the Greek Orthodox traditions of the island. It contains icons and frescoes from the 18th century, and beautiful stone carvings of saints. Ayios Lazaros Church is known for the miracles that are said to occur when a pilgrim visits, and many local tales are associated with it from the various families that have visited over time. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. Iconic Ottoman Minaret: Built in 1822, the Ottoman minaret of the church stands at the entrance and is a recognizable feature of the church. 2. 19th century frescoes: The inside of the church is decorated with beautiful frescoes depicting several Biblical scenes, which were painted in the late 19th century. 3. Byzantine dome: Above the central nave of the church is a magnificent oval-shaped Byzantine dome supported by four arches and two pillars. 4. Fresco of St. Lazarus: The wall to the left of the church entrance contains a beautiful fresco of St. Lazarus, to whom the Church is dedicated. 5. Icon Museum: The Icon Museum of the Church, which showcases a collection of Byzantine, medieval and modern icons, is a must-see for anyone visiting Ayios Lazaros. 6. Historic cemetery: The cemetery next to the church holds graves of several important figures in Cyprus’ history, most notably Archbishop Makarios III. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Larnaca's Ayios Lazaros Church is a church located in Larnaca, Cyprus. It was built in the 9th century AD by Byzantine emperor Leo VI the Wise, to commemorate the raising of Lazarus of Bethany from the dead by Jesus Christ. The Church is one of the eight pilgrimage destinations in the Greek Orthodox tradition known as the "Cyprus Churches of the Trigyna". The church is a domed structure and is located near the old harbor in Larnaca. The church was built on the site of the fourth-century BC tomb of the mythical King Pygmalion, and then converted to a Christian church. During the Middle Ages, the Church was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. Every year, pilgrims would come from all over the Mediterranean region to pray at the holy site. During the Ottoman period, the Church was used as a mosque. In 1878, the Church was extensively remodeled by the British after they occupied Cyprus, and it has remained largely in its current form since then. Today, the Church is a popular tourist destination in Larnaca. It is also used as a place of worship for the Greek Orthodox Church. The Church is home to several objects of art, including a 16th century icon of Saint Lazarus. The interior of the Church is adorned with beautiful frescos, depicting various scenes from the Bible, as well as many scenes from the life of Saint Lazarus. Ayios Lazaros Church is listed as an Important Cultural Property of the Republic of Cyprus by the Ministry of Education and Culture. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Ayios Lazaros Church is an orthodox Christian church located in the city of Larnaca, on the south coast of Cyprus. 2. The church is dedicated to Saint Lazarus, the Patron Saint of Larnaca. 3. The current building dates to the late 18th century, but is believed to have been built upon the site of an earlier church which dates back to the 10th century. 4. According to legend, it was at Ayios Lazaros Church where Saint Lazarus, who had been miraculously restored to life by Jesus Christ, spent his last years. 5. Every year on 8th June, the church is crowded with people who come to celebrate the memory of Saint Lazarus. 6. On the same day, a special liturgy is held that highlights the miracle performed by Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus. 7. At the entrance to the church, there stands an ancient cypress tree which is believed to be the same tree that witnessed the miracle. 8. The interior of the church is ornately decorated with beautiful wall paintings and mosaics of religious icons. 9. Ayios Lazaros Church also houses a museum that displays various religious artifacts and liturgical items. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.