Must-see
Church of Saint Lazarus
A Byzantine church over the tomb of Lazarus, about 1,100 years old
The story
This is a stone Byzantine church in the old center of Larnaca. According to tradition, Lazarus, whom Christ raised from the dead, came to Cyprus and became the first bishop of Kition, the ancient city on the site of today’s Larnaca. The church is believed to have been built over his tomb in the late 9th century at the wish of the Byzantine emperor Leo the Sixth, and part of the relics were taken to Constantinople. The church’s three domes were lost long ago. According to tradition, the Ottoman authorities pulled them down; another version says an earthquake destroyed them, and they were never rebuilt. On Lazarus Saturday, eight days before Easter, a procession with the saint’s icon goes through the town.
The Church of Saint Lazarus was begun in the late 9th century, about 1,100 years ago. The official guide names it, together with the Hala Sultan mosque, as an important religious site of Larnaca.
Visiting
A working church, free entry. Usually open: March–October Mon–Sat 8:00–18:30, Sun 6:30–12:30 and 15:30–18:30; November–February with a midday break. The saint’s tomb is under the altar area of the church, and there is a museum next to the church. Hours may change.
Photos
Sources
- Official website of the Church of Saint Lazarus (Καθεδρικός Ναός Αγίου Λαζάρου), “History” section
- Larnaka Tourism Board — Agios Lazaros (Saint Lazarus)
- Deputy Ministry of Tourism, visitcyprus.com — Agios Lazaros Church
- Deputy Ministry of Tourism — official guide to Cyprus 2026 (Greek), section on Larnaca
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