Located in the town centre, the magnificent stone church of Ayios Lazaros is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture on the island!
The magnificent church of Ayios Lazaros (Saint Lazarus) is located in the town center of Larnaca. It is one of the three Byzantian churches in Cyprus and one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture on the island.
The Saint who lived in Cyprus for 30 years was ordained as an Episcope of Kiti by Apostles Paul and Varnavas. What is significant about the church is that The Saint’s tomb can be seen under the sanctuary! According to the legend, the tomb was lost during the Arab Rule but was found almos 200 years later in Larnaca (890 A.C.) bearing the inscpription ”Lazarus, four days dead, friend of Christ.”
As the legend says, the Emperor of Byzantium during that time, Leo Vi, transferred the Saint’s human remains to Constantinople. Apparently however, in 1970 during renovations that were being done following a fire that destroyed both the interior and exterior of the church, human remains were discovered which were identified as part of the Saint’s relics.
It is estimated that the Byzantine Emperor Leo Vi built the church in the 9th century which was restored in 17th Century. Despite that during the Ottoman rule the church was destroyed, the gold-covered iconostasis which is a superb example of baroque woodcarving, has survived unharmed! Next to the church, is the Byzantine museum which accommodates various important religious icons, artifacts and relics.
Saint Lazarus is worth seeing at night when lit up. Around the church there are numerous restaurants, cafeterias and bars where you can drink and dine in front of the magnificent view of the church!
Opening hours: 1 March-31 October
Daily: 08:00-18:30
Sunday 06:30 – 12:30, 15:30-18:30
1 Nov-29 Feb:
Daily: 08:00-12:30, 14:30-17:30
Sunday 06:30 – 12:30, 15:30-17:30
Closed on Public Holidays
Entrance fee is Free and there is entrance ramp and disabled toilets for people with disabilities. Please note that opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice.
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