Larnaca Religious Interest

Larnaca sometimes doesn’t get much credit as anything other than the place with the main international airport, the big salt lake and the beautiful palm-lined walkway, but it really is one of the most interesting towns in Cyprus, especially when it comes to religion and history.

The first thing you need to know about the religious life of Larnaca is that St. Lazarus, who Jesus Christ is said to have arisen from the dead, actually lived, died and is buried here. The Basilica of St. Lazarus dates back to the 9th century AD, and was actually built over the actual tomb of St. Lazarus, who was the brother of Mary and Martha. For those of you who are interested in the very early Christian period, St. Lazarus came and lived in Cyprus after he was resurrected and in fact, when they found his tomb in 890, there was an inscription on it which read, “Lazarus, the friend of Christ.” His sarcophagus can still be seen inside the church.

Moslem visitors to Cyprus will also know that the Mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke, which is just outside of Larnaca, right next to the Salt Lake, is the third most important mosque in the religion of Islam, after Mecca and Medina. Umm Haram, said to be the foster mother of the prophet Mohammed, is actually buried within the confines of the Mosque. Apparently she died and was buried here in 647AD while accompanying Arab invaders. Tradition says that the mosque was in fact built to honour her by the Ottomans.

As much is Cyprus’ main Christian belief lies with the Greek Orthodox church, we must always remember that Larnaca has seen thousand of years and invasions, so it should come as no surprise really to discover that the underground chapel of Ayia (Saint) Phaneromeni, which is actually a rock cavern with two chambers, was originally said to be a pagan tomb, dating all the way back to the Phoenicians. Whatever the spiritual forces present, these chambers are said to possess magical/ holy powers and if you suffer from headaches or any kind of disease, you are advised to walk three times around the chamber and then leave a piece of cloth, or even your hair on the grill in the front of the south window. If you’re also a woman whose lover is far away, go and pray at Ayia Phaneromeni for the safety of your loved one.