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Church of Saint Lazarus

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Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)

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The Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca is one of the most significant Byzantine religious buildings in Cyprus, dating back to the late 9th century. It was built over the second tomb of Lazarus of Bethany, who according to Christian tradition was raised from the dead by Jesus and later fled to Cyprus, serving as the first Bishop of Kition (modern-day Larnaca). The stone church architecture is characterized by three domes and a triple-aisle interior, although the domes were removed during Ottoman rule and were not later replaced in their original style. Inside, there is a magnificent 18th-century gilded iconostasis, considered one of the finest examples of woodcarving on the island. In the crypt, visitors can view the sarcophagus of Saint Lazarus. The church remains a central site of veneration and serves as an important parish church for the Greek Orthodox community. Every year on Lazarus Saturday, a solemn procession is held where the icon of the saint is carried through the streets of Larnaca.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141416192327303028242016
Rain mm7242231392116153071

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Church of Saint Lazarus is open to visitors and can be viewed both inside and outside. Inside, the ornate icons and the crypt containing the empty tomb of Lazarus are notable.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open daily, but hours may vary on holidays and during services. Churches usually open around service times, and entry may be restricted at other times.
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Photography
Photography inside the church is usually allowed without flash to protect the frescoes and icons. In the crypt and during special exhibits, photography may be restricted.
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Time needed
A visit to the church typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes to see the main highlights. Those interested in the icons and history should allow about an hour.
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Combine with
The church is located in central Larnaca, a short walk from the seafront promenade and the Salt Lake. Combine the visit with the nearby Larnaca Archaeological Museum or the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque.
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Getting there
The church is easily reachable on foot from the city center; the nearest bus stop is about five minutes away. Parking in the area is limited, so public transport or walking is recommended.
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Insider tip
Visit the church early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to see the crypt, as the empty tomb of Lazarus is a special highlight.

Geography

Coordinates
34.91140, 33.63670

Facts

  • The church was built around 890 AD by Emperor Leo VI.
  • Lazarus is said to have lived 30 years in Cyprus after his resurrection.
  • The iconostasis features over 120 intricately painted icons.
  • The bell tower was constructed in 1857 in a Latin architectural style.
  • A fire in 1970 damaged significant portions of the church interior.
  • The saint's relics were partially transferred to Constantinople in 898.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fatih Mosque LarnacaFatih Mosque Larnaca<1 km · EExplore →
Zenobia WreckZenobia Wreck2 km · NWExplore →
Larnaca Salt Lake Bird WatchingLarnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching4 km · SWExplore →
Kamares AqueductKamares Aqueduct4 km · SExplore →
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)Larnaca International Airport (LCA)4 km · SWExplore →
The Land of DreamsThe Land of Dreams4 km · SEExplore →
Kellia Bird Watching AreaKellia Bird Watching Area6 km · EExplore →
Bio Land ProductsBio Land Products6 km · SExplore →

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Sights in the town Church of Saint Lazarus (10)

Kebir (Büyük) Mosque

Kebir (Büyük) Mosque is a mosque in Cyprus, an Islamic place of worship.

🕒 12:30-14:30 off

Larnaka Medieval Museum🏛 museum

Larnaka Medieval Museum is housed on the second floor of the Medieval Fort.

🕒 Sep 16-Apr 15 Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00, Sa-Su 09:30-17:00; Apr 16-S💶

Larnaca Castle🏛 museum

Larnaca Castle is a fortress in Larnaca, Cyprus, now operating as a museum.

🕒 Apr 16-Sep 15 Mo-Fr 08:00-19:30; Apr 16-Sep 15 Sa-Su 09:30-1💶

Agios Lazaros Church

Agios Lazaros Church is an orthodox church in Larnaca, known for its iconostasis.

🕒 Mar 01- Oct 31 Mo-Sa 08:00-18:30; Mar 01-Oct 31 Su 06:30-12:

Byzantine Museum Saint Lazarus🏛 museum

The Byzantine Museum at Agios Lazaros church displays religious items from the Larnaca district.

Famagusta

Famagusta is a gallery in Larnaca hosting art exhibitions.

Phinikoudes

Phinikoudes is a beach in Larnaca lined with palm trees and cafes.

Kimon

Kimon is a monument in Larnaca commemorating the Athenian general Kimon.

Kimon seafront promenade

Kimon seafront promenade is a walkway in Larnaca for strolling and relaxing.

Armenian church

Armenian church is a church building in Cyprus used by the Armenian community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the church always open?
Usually daily from 08:00 to 18:30 (in summer), with a midday break.
Can you visit the tomb of Lazarus?
Yes, the crypt with the sarcophagus under the altar is accessible.
Is there an entry fee?
No, visiting the church is free, donations are welcome.
Do women need to wear a headscarf?
A headscarf is not mandatory, but shoulders and knees should be covered.
Are there services?
Yes, especially on Sundays, Orthodox liturgies are held.
Church of Saint Lazarus: where is it located?
Church of Saint Lazarus is located in Cyprus.
Church of Saint Lazarus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kebir (Büyük) Mosque, Larnaka Medieval Museum, Larnaca Castle.
Church of Saint Lazarus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Church of Saint Lazarus: why is it worth visiting?
The Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca is one of the most significant Byzantine religious buildings in Cyprus, dating back to the late 9th century.
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Nearby cities

Larnaca — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Larnaca
A coastal city with a palm-lined promenade and the international airport.

History & landmarks

Choirokoitia — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
A UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement featuring reconstructed circular dwellings that showcase life 9,000 years ago.
Larnaca Castle — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Larnaca Castle
A medieval castle located at the southern end of the Finikoudes promenade.
Kataklysmos — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Kataklysmos
The Festival of the Flood, celebrated grandly in Larnaca with waterfront activities.
Zenobia Wreck — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Zenobia Wreck
One of the world's top diving sites, a sunken ferry located off the coast of Larnaca.
Larnaca Salt Lake — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Larnaca Salt Lake
A complex network of salt lakes, known as a wintering ground for flamingos.
Fatih Mosque Larnaca — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Fatih Mosque Larnaca
The Fatih Mosque in Larnaca is a historically significant building in the former Turkish quarter.

More places

Hala Sultan Tekke — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Hala Sultan Tekke
A prominent Islamic pilgrimage site located on the Larnaca Salt Lake.
Choirokoitia — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
One of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean (UNESCO).
Larnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Larnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching
A network of four salt lakes, famous for its population of flamingos that overwinter here.
Kamares Aqueduct — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Kamares Aqueduct
A historic aqueduct from the 18th century in Larnaca.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Cyprus's main international gateway, located on the outskirts of Larnaca.
The Land of Dreams — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
The Land of Dreams
A unique playground and activity center in Larnaca, built with natural materials.
Kellia Bird Watching Area — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Kellia Bird Watching Area
A rural area with fields and small wetlands that attracts various migratory and resident bird species.
Bio Land Products — Church of Saint Lazarus (Cyprus)
Bio Land Products
An organic farm and shop in the Larnaca district, producing a wide range of organic vegetables and fruits.