Built on the site where ancient Kition once stood, Larnaka is the successor of one of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus. Kition was the birthplace of Zeno, the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy and the second home of St. Lazarus, who lived here after his resurrection and later became its first Bishop. The foundation legend of Kition is associated with Kittim, Noah’s grandson who named it after himself. In the 13th century bc Mycenaean Greeks settled in the town, while Phoenicians moved here from the 9th century bc. Medieval Kition, then called Larnaka or Salines, became an important port with increasing commercial activity between East and West. In the 18th century it became a flourishing trading centre, the place where all European consuls established their missions. Contemporary Larnaka, with its palm-lined sea-front promenade known as Foinikoudes and picturesque yachting marina, has a charm of its own. In the winter months thousands of flamingos, wild swans and other migrating birds make their annual stopover at the nearby salt lake. The district of Larnaka has many interesting places to visit, particularly ancient, Byzantine and Moslem monuments.
Main places of interest: Archaeological site of Kition Archaeological Museum The Pierides Foundation Arhaeological Museum Larnaka Municipal Cultural Centre Church of St Lazarus Larnaka Fort Church of Panagia Angeloktisti (Kiti village) Hala Sultan Tekke Lefkara village Prehestoric site of Choirokoitia
