6th Route
Point of Interest
The route “Churches and Monasteries at Larnaca” gives tourists the opportunity to explore the province of Larnaca, which is rich with cultural and religious history, since the passage of the Apostles Paul and Barnabas in this area is one of the most important historical events of the island.
Besides visiting the magnificent religious sitres, there are so many great things to do in Larnaca from exploring the coastline, to enjoying a very tasteful meal made with traditional products.
1st Church of Panagia Aggeloktisti, Kiti
Distance: 11,9 km (From the center of Larnaka)
Duration: 18 Minutes
Church of Panagia Aggeloktisti, Kiti Source: Visit Cyprus
Church of Panagia Aggeloktisti (which means ‘built by angels’ in Greek) was built on the 11th c. and because of its history and very interesting architectural structure, is currently it is upon request for being included in the list of World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
The church as it is today, was erected over the ruins of an Early Christian Basilica of the 5th century. The original apse of the basilica has survived along with one of the finest pieces of Byzantine art on the island. The church’s main attraction is the mosaic with golden background, which portrays Panagia holding baby Jesus Christ between the two archangels Michael and Gabriel, which rivals the mosaics of Ravenna-Italy. Many other numerous mosaics remain intact. Certain historians place the mosaics on the 6th century A.C.
Information:
Phone Number: +357 24 424 646
Operating Hours:
May – September, Monday – Saturday: 07:00 – 18:00 / Sunday: 09:30 – 18:00
October – April, Monday – Saturday: 07:00 – 16:45 / Sunday: 09:30 – 16:45
Operating Period: All year round
Closed on Public Holidays
Entrance Fee: Free
Disabled Access: Wheelchair accessible
2nd Monastery of Agia Thekla, Mosfiloti
Distance: 21 km
Duration: 28 Minutes
Monastery of Agia Thekla, Mosfiloti Source: cyprusalive
The women’s Monastery of Agia Thekla “the healer”in Mosfiloti Larnaca is one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus, and one od the most famous till this day because of its great history and the holy miracles that happened there.
According to tradition, the monastery was founded by Saint Helen, as after a prayer, holy water was poured out, which is preserved to this day. The saint of the monastery is called a healer because of the miracles of the saint in matters of skin diseases and eczema. It is built in the middle of a small green valley, in a location that provides the required quiet for the monastic community that resides in it, thus it will most definitely “soothe the souls” of the visitors, will enjoying the magnificent landscape.
Information:
Phone Number: +357 22 532533
Operating Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 6:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 3:00–7:00 p.m.
Entrance Fee: Free
Disabled Access: Wheelchair accessible
3rd Hala Sultan Tekke, Larnaca
Distance: 33 km
Duration: 28 Minutes
Hala Sultan Tekke, Larnaca Source: Larnakaregion.com
Halan Sultan Tekke Mosque is one of the most important pilgrimages in Islam, and truly a magnificent monument that Cyprus is proud to preserve through the centuries.
Muhammad’s mother, Umm Haram, is buried in this place and it is an attraction for many Muslims around the world. In this area of Larnaca, Um died in 647 AD. falling from her horse. The Mosque was built in the 18th century. over the tomb of Umm Haram.
Information:
Phone number: +357 24 643 618
Operating Hours:
September 16 – April 15, daily: 08:30 – 17:00
April 16 – September 15, daily: 08:30 – 19:00
Operating Period: All year round
Closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday (Greek Orthodox)
Entrance Fee: Free
Disabled Access: Partly accessible
Website: www.mcw.gov.cy/da
Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
4th Church of Agios Lazarus, To perivoli tou Agiou Lazarou, Larnaca
Distance: 6 km
Duration: 10 Minutes
Church of Agios Lazarus, To perivoli tou Agiou Lazarou, Larnaca Source: Visit Cyprus
Located in its own square in the center of town, the magnificent stone church of Agios Lazaros is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus and lies over the tomb of the saint. The tomb of Saint Lazarus is probably the most visited pilgrimage in Cyprus. In the basement of the church is the second tomb of Saint Lazarus, after his flight from Jerusalem, as during the rest of his life on earth he was ordained the first bishop of Kiti. The current church is a later extension of the 9th century church.
Saint Lazarus came to Cyprus after being resurrected by Jesus. He was ordained as Bishop of Kiti by the Apostles Barnabas and Paul and lived in the town for 30 years. His tomb can be seen under the sanctuary. The saint is so revered that a procession is held in his honor eight days before Easter. During the procession, the icon of Saint Lazarus is carried through the streets of Larnaca.
Next to the church is the Byzantine Museum, which exhibits important religious icons, artefacts, and relics.
After the pilgrimage, visitors can enjoy their coffee in one of the picturesque cafes in the central square, and in the famous Finikoudes streets and beach, named after the many palm trees (finikes) that can be found along the coast.
Information:
Phone Number: +357 24 652 498
Operating Hours:
March – October, Monday – Saturday: 08:00 – 18:30 Sundays: 06:30 – 12:30 / 15:30 – 18:30
November – February, Monday – Saturday: 08:00 – 12:30 / 14:30 – 17:30 Sundays: 06:30 – 12:30 / 15:30 – 17:30
Operating Period: All year round
Entrance Fee: Free
Disabled Access: Entrance ramp, chair lifts for rooms and disabled toilets