Larnaca, St. Lazarous Church, Pierides Museum, Aggelochtisti Church, Halan Sultan Tekke

Our first visit will be the Church of Agios Lazaros the beloved friend of Christ. Agios Lazaros was forced, after his miraculous resurrection, to seek shelter at Kitium, now Larnaca. According to tradition, he became the first bishop of Kitium and the first church dedicated to him was built in order to serve the needs of the small population of Kitium at the time.

Not far away from the Church we will visit the Pierides Museum. A specious, two-storeyed colonial style building, with its 2.236 archaeological objects collection. Exhibits from the Neolithic settlement of Khirokitia, impressive red pottery of various shapes from bronze age, specimens representatives of the Mycenaean period, earthenware statues of the Hellenistic and archaic period, Roman glass objects and Byzantine pottery are just some of the big collection in the museum.

Our Next stop will be after about 15 minutes drive at the ancient Kitio where we will visit Aggeloktisti Church. Northwest of Kiti, on a very gentle rise, stands a very interesting Church of Cyprus, the Byzantine Church of Panagia Angeloktisti (The Angel-built). According to the tradition, it was built by Angels, who at midnight descended from the Heavens and built the church. Dim traces of frescoes on the walls witness that most probably the church was originally entirely painted. The most glorious item to be seen is the mosaics in the central apse, which shows the Madonna holding a Child. She stands between the Archangels Mikhail and Gabriel. 

The last stop is the Halla Sultan Tekke an important Muslim shrine which is said to contain the remains of Halla Sultan, the maternal aunt of Prophet Mohammed. The mosque was built in her honour by the Turks in 1816. Located amid rich greenery it is an impressive sight, especially when viewed across the salt lake.