Overview:

Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca In Cyprus is a small Orthodox church which was built to commemorate the life of Saint Lazarus of Bethany, a saint venerated by the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities. The church is renowned for its Ikonostasion walls and is one of the most visited places in Northern Cyprus. It houses artifacts, including the relics of St. Lazarus, which fetch thousands of visitors each year. According to tradition, St. Lazarus was buried on this site and several shrines were built to honor him. The church attracts visitors from all over the world and its beauty and religious significance makes it one of the leading tourist attractions on the island. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

The Church of Saint Lazarus is one of the most prominent historical features in Larnaca, Cyprus. It features a baroque style and is known as the burial place of Saint Lazarus. Its bell-tower is the tallest in the area and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the town. Inside, there is an elaborate fresco and marble works, and five stone tombs are said to contain the remains of Lazarus, Mary Magdalene, Martha, and two of his unknown followers. With its colorful dome and bell tower, it is often the main focus of visitors to the area. The Church is also a popular site for pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Church of Saint Lazarus (also known as the Church of Agios Lazaros) is a Greek Orthodox church located in the city of Larnaca, Cyprus. It is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany who is known as the Patron Saint of the city. The church is believed to be built on the site of the former Byzantine Basilica of St Lazarus where he was buried after his resurrection from the dead. The Church of St. Lazarus is an important pilgrimage site in the city and is one of the most visited churches in Larnaca. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a walled courtyard and inside there are many icons and frescos from the 16th century. The church is also known for its annual festival of St. Lazarus which is observed for three days during the week of Easter. The exact date of construction of the church is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the 13th century. The earliest written record of the Church of Saint Lazarus is from the 16th century when it was mentioned in the Chronicles of the Monastery of St. Lazarus. During the Ottoman rule in Cyprus, the church was used as a mosque and it is believed to have been renovated in the mid-1800s. The renovation is believed to have been funded by the Egyptian ruler Muhammad Ali who was a strong supporter of the Greek Orthodox church. The Church of Saint Lazarus is an important pilgrimage site in Cyprus and it receives many visitors from all over the world. The church also has a long-standing tradition of Greek Orthodox ceremonies, including weddings and baptisms. The Church of Saint Lazarus is an important part of the cultural and religious heritage of Larnaca and the wider Cypriot community. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Lazarus of Larnaca is said to be the brother of Martha and Mary, who was resurrected by Jesus. 2. It is the largest ecclesiastical monument in Cyprus, dating back to the 10th century, with an area of approximately 50 acres. 3. This Church is the seat of the Bishop of Kition, and has been a pilgrimage site of Cypriot Christians since the 11th century. 4. The Church is a basilica with three aisles and a dome, and is an important example of defensive Byzantine architecture. 5. On the south wall is a mural of Saint Lazarus, a masterpiece of local art dating back to the 11th century. 6. The Church houses both the tomb of Lazarus and sacred relics of his life. 7. The Church also has an impressive collection of religious art and antique furnishings, including a silver casket reportedly containing the remains of Lazarus, and gold-plated prayer books. 8. The Church of Saint Lazarus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.