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Holy Church of Saint Lazarus: Larnaca's Byzantine Gem

Discover Larnaca's spiritual heart at the Holy Church of Saint Lazarus, a Byzantine masterpiece with a rich history and serene atmosphere.

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The Holy Church of Saint Lazarus, or Agios Lazaros, is a late 9th-century church in Larnaca, Cyprus, built over the tomb of Saint Lazarus. It showcases stunning Byzantine architecture and a rich history, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike to experience its serene atmosphere and religious significance.

A brief summary to Holy Church of Saint Lazarus

  • Monday 8 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 6:30 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting, as this is a sacred place of worship; shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Explore the Byzantine Museum adjacent to the church to delve deeper into the history and religious artifacts associated with Saint Lazarus and the church.
  • Attend the procession in honor of Saint Lazarus, held eight days before Easter, for a unique cultural and spiritual experience.
  • Enjoy a coffee or a traditional Cypriot sweet at one of the cafes in the square surrounding the church, soaking in the local atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Holy Church of Saint Lazarus is centrally located in Larnaca town. From Finikoudes promenade, walk inland, away from the sea, for approximately 10 minutes. You'll see the church's bell tower rising above the surrounding buildings. The church is situated in a pedestrian-friendly square, easily accessible from all directions. Look for signs directing you towards 'Agios Lazaros' or St. Lazarus Church. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Holy Church of Saint Lazarus via public transport, take a local bus to the Larnaca Bus Station (K.A.A.Y.). From there, you can either walk approximately 15 minutes to the church or take a local bus that stops near Ayiou Lazarou Street. From the bus station, head towards the coast and follow signs to Ayiou Lazarou. A single bus ticket within Larnaca costs €1.50 during the day and €2.50 at night. Ensure you check the bus schedules in advance as they may vary depending on the season.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Larnaca and offer a convenient way to reach the Holy Church of Saint Lazarus. A taxi ride from the Finikoudes promenade or Larnaca Bus Station to the church typically costs between €7 and €9, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. The journey usually takes around 5-10 minutes. Ride-sharing apps like Bolt operate in Larnaca, providing an alternative to traditional taxis. Be sure the driver resets the taximeter at the beginning of the journey; the base fare is around €3.00.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Agios Lazaros Square in Larnaca. Limited street parking is available near the church, but it can be challenging, especially during peak tourist season. Parking fees typically range from €1 to €2 per hour. Several parking lots are located within a short walking distance of the church, including Saint Nicholas Parking and St. Lazarus Municipal Parking. Be mindful of local parking regulations to avoid fines.

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Discover more about Holy Church of Saint Lazarus

The Holy Church of Saint Lazarus is a captivating testament to Larnaca's rich cultural and religious heritage. Located in the heart of the city, this late 9th-century church is one of the most significant examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus, attracting pilgrims and tourists. The church is dedicated to Saint Lazarus of Bethany, a prominent figure in the New Testament. According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, Lazarus fled Judea after being resurrected by Jesus, seeking refuge on the island of Cyprus. Here, he was appointed by the Apostles Paul and Barnabas as the first Bishop of Kition, the ancient city upon which modern Larnaca is built. Lazarus is said to have lived in Kition for thirty more years, and upon his death, he was buried here for the second and final time. The Church of Agios Lazaros was erected over what is believed to be his second tomb. Tradition holds that the location of Lazarus's tomb was lost during the period of Arab rule, which began in 649 AD. However, in 890 AD, a tomb was discovered bearing the inscription "Lazarus, four days dead, friend of Christ". Emperor Leo VI of Byzantium, a devout admirer of Saint Lazarus, had the saint's remains transferred to Constantinople in 898 AD. In recompense, he ordered the construction of the Church of Saint Lazarus over the tomb, which was completed in the late 9th to early 10th centuries. The architectural style of the church reflects its long and varied history. It is an elongated building, measuring 31.5 x 14.5 meters, with a tripartite sanctuary and semicircular apses internally. The interior is divided into three aisles by bulky double pillars and arched openings, which support the domes and form the central aisle. The north and south aisles feature semi-cylindrical roofs intersected by cross-vaults. The stonework primarily consists of square limestone blocks, each about a meter thick. During the Frankish and Venetian periods (13th to 16th centuries), when Cyprus was under Roman Catholic rule, the church was used as a Roman Catholic church, and a Gothic-style stone-covered portico was added to its south side. The three imposing domes and the original bell tower were destroyed, likely during the early years of Ottoman rule after 1571 AD, when the church was converted into a mosque. In 1857, after Ottoman authorities permitted Cypriot churches to have bell towers once more, the church's bell tower was rebuilt in a Latinate style. The intricate woodcarving of the church's unique baroque iconostasis was created between 1773 and 1782 by Chatzisavvas Taliadorou. The iconostasis was then gold-plated between 1793 and 1797. Some of the icons were painted in the late 18th century by Michael Proskynetes from Marathasa, and Hatzimichael completed the iconography of the iconostasis in 1797. Today, the Church of Saint Lazarus stands as a magnificent testament to faith, history, and art.

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