The Beauty of Larnaca
Situated on the south east coast of the island,
Larnaca is a popular resort for tourists. With beaches stretching
for more than 8 kilometers long, Larnaca is an ideal location
for those wishing to explore traditional Cyprus and also experience
the middle eastern impact that history has had on the island.
 Originally
known as Kition or Khittim, Larnaca is built on ancient sites
founded by the Mycenaean Greeks in the 13th century BC. The
third largest city of Cyprus, still endorses in trade in bustle
of the town center and the commercial port from dual ports
as in the 13th century. Dating further back, Larnaca was first
settled by Noah’s grandson, Khittim, after the Deluxe
and this settlement is celebrated annually on the beachfront.
The town Kition, and birthplace of stoic philosopher, Zenon,
has many cultural spots. Of great interest is the church of
St Lazarus. As the name suggests, it was built to enshrine
the tomb of Lazarus, who, according to legend, was expelled
from Bethany after his resurrection and forced onto an un
seaworthy boat which brought him to Kiti. Here he met with
the Apostles and was consecrated a bishop and canonized. The
saint's remains were discovered and removed in 890AD . However,
the sarcophagus is held in great veneration by Greek Cypriots
to this day.
One of Larnaca's most distinctive features is the mid-town
seaside promenade lined with tall palm trees and a sandy beachfront.
Named Finikoudes in Greek, the promenade is paralleled with
taverns and cafés, drawing families, young and old
individuals. Nearby is the Larnaca marina, one of the few
shelters for yachts on the island. Palm trees and minarets
which dot the horizon also give Larnaca a Middle Eastern ambience,
particularly in the old, inner city. At the rear of the Finikoudes
promenade is the 17th century fort. Apart from being a museum,
the fort also houses many musicals.
 The
salt lake near the international airport is also a major attraction.
In the winter the lake's shallow expanse of seawater is a
favorite habitat for migratory birds, especially the Pink
Flamingo. In the summer months the lake dries up and salt
is collected for domestic use.
On the west side of the lake, resting peacefully among a
copse of tall cypress trees, with its minarets reflected in
the water, is the Tekke (shrine) of Hala Sultan built to honour
a female relative of the Prophet Mohammed, Umm Haram, who
accompanied the Arab invaders of Cyprus in 694AD, but died
after falling from a mule near Larnaca. Her shrine, the third
holiest in the Muslim world after Mecca and Medina, is today
a wonderfully peaceful sanctuary planted with palm trees and
flowering shrubs enjoyed by Cypriots and tourists alike.
"An Online Real Estate Property Directory for Cyprus
Properties, Cyprus Real Estate, Cyprus Realtors, Cyprus Property
Developers, Cyprus Property, Cyprus Real Estate Agents, Cyprus
Space Management Services, Cyprus Estate Services, Cyprus
Properties Available, Cyprus Properties for sale, Cyprus Villas
for sale, Larnaca Properties, Larnaca Real Estate Agents"
|
