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Coordinates: 34°55′N 33°38′E / 34.917°N 33.633°E / 34.917; 33.633
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EUROPEAN GREEKS ARE THE RESIDUALS OF CRUSADES IN AN ASIA ISLAND (CYPRUS). (ASIAN) TURKS REMINDED THEM NOT TO FORGET TO RETURN HOME IN 1571 AND 1974. GREEKS MUST GO GREECE EITHER VOLUNTARILY OR 1974LY
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{{About||the [[cricket (insect)|cricket]] genus|Larnaca (cricket)|the similarly sounding city in Pakistan|Larkana}}
{{Unreferenced|date=March 2007}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2014}}
{{Infobox Settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Larnaca
|image_flag = Flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.svg
| name = Larnaca
| native_name = {{hlist|{{native name|el|Λάρνακα|italics=no}}|{{native name|tr|Larnaka|italics=no}}}}
|TotalArea_sq_mi =
| settlement_type = [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus#District capital cities|City]] and [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus#Municipalities|municipality]]
|area_total =
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
|population_as_of =
| total_width = 300
|population_total =
| border = infobox
|timezone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
| perrow = 1/2/2/2
|utc_offset = +2
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Larnaca 01-2017 img27 Finikoudes.jpg
| alt1 = Aerial view of Finikoudes Seafront Promenade in Larnaca
| caption1 = Finikoudes Promenade
| image2 = Larnaca 01-2017 img30 Salt Lake.jpg
| alt2 = Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca, as seen from across the Larnaca salt Lake
| caption2 = [[Hala Sultan Tekke]]
| image3 = Larnaca 01-2017 img26 Larnaca Marina.jpg
| alt3 = Boats in the Larnaca Marina
| caption3 = Larnaca Marina
| image4 = Cyprus - Larnacacastle 1.JPG
| alt4 = Exterior view of the Larnaca Castle
| caption4 = [[Larnaca Castle]]
| image5 = Saint Lazarus church.JPG
| alt5 = The plaza in front of St Lazarus Church in Larnaca
| caption5 =[[Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca|St Lazarus Church]]
| image6 = Larnaca 01-2017 img13 Larnaca District Administration.jpg
| alt6 = The Larnaca District Administration building
| caption6 = [[Larnaca District]] Administration
| image7 = Larnaca 01-2017 img25 Kamares Aqueduct.jpg
| alt7 = The Kamares Aqueduct in Larnaca
| caption7 =[[Kamares Aqueduct]]}}
| imagesize =
| image_caption =
| image_flag =
| flag_size =
| image_seal =
| seal_size =
| nickname = "Skala"<br>from Greek: "Σκάλα"; in Turkish: "İskele"<ref>{{Cite web |title=ITiCSE 2018 |url=https://iticse.acm.org/ITiCSE2018/Larnaca.html#:~:text=Apart%20from%20Larnaca,%20the%20city,trading%20activity%20of%20the%20port. |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=iticse.acm.org}}</ref>
| motto =
| image_map = {{infobox mapframe|frame=yes|plain=y|frame-width=250|frame-height=300|zoom=11|type=shape-inverse|id=Q171882|title=[[Larnaca]]}}
| map_caption = Interactive map outlining Larnaca Municipality
| pushpin_map = Cyprus#Mediterranean east#European_Union#Asia
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_relief = y
| pushpin_mapsize = 280
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within [[Cyprus]]##Location within the [[Eastern Mediterranean]]##Location within the [[European Union]]##Location within [[Asia]]
| coordinates = {{coord|34|55|N|33|38|E|region:CY_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Cyprus}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Districts of Cyprus|District]]
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_name1 = [[Larnaca District]]
| subdivision_name2 =
| subdivision_name3 =
| established_title = <!-- Settled -->
| established_date =
| government_footnotes =
| government_type = Municipal council
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Andreas Vyras ([[AKEL]])
| total_type = [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus#Municipalities|Municipality]]
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Cyprus: Larnaca Urban Agglomeration (Municipalities, Communities and Quarters) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/cyprus/larnaca/admin/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| area_magnitude =
| area_total_km2 = 32.85
| area_land_km2 = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on automatic unit conversion-->
| area_urban_km2 = 118.62
| area_metro_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 26
| elevation_ft =
| population_total = 52038
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Cyprus: Districts, Major Cities & Urban Agglomerations - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/cyprus/cities/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| population_urban = 90419
| population_density_urban_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = Larnacan(s) ([[English language|en]])<br>''Larnakiotis'', (masc.), ''Larnakiotissa'' (fem.) ([[Greek language|gr]]), ''Skaliotis'', (masc.), ''Skaliotissa'' (fem.) (gr, colloquial)
| population_note = {{efn|The urban population is the aggregate of the populations of Larnaca, [[Aradippou]], [[Livadia, Larnaca|Livadia]], [[Dromolaxia]], and [[Meneou]].}}
| postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in Cyprus|Post code]]
| postal_code = 6010-6060<ref>{{Cite web |title=A list of all Cyprus postcodes |url=https://cypruspostcodes.eurocyinnovations.com/list |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=cypruspostcodes.eurocyinnovations.com}}</ref>
| area_code = 24
| website = {{URL|http://www.larnaka.org.cy/}}
| footnotes =
| timezone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
| utc_offset = +2
| timezone_DST = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
| utc_offset_DST = +3
| blank_name = [[Patron saint]]
| blank_info = [[Lazarus of Bethany|Saint Lazarus]] ([[Lazarus Saturday|12 April 2025]])
| blank1_name =
| blank1_info =
| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in Cyprus|Area code]]
| blank_name_sec2 = Major airport(s)
| blank_info_sec2 = [[Larnaca International Airport]]
| population_rank = [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus#Municipalities|4th]] municipality, [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus#District capital cities|3rd]] urban in Cyprus<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cyprus: Districts, Major Cities & Urban Agglomerations - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/cyprus/cities/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>
| population_blank1_title = [[Larnaca District|District]]
| population_blank1 = 155753
}}
}}


'''Larnaca''',{{Efn|{{IPAc-en|'|l|ɑː|r|n|ə|k|ə}}; {{langx|el|Λάρνακα|Lárnaka}} {{IPA-el|ˈlarnaka|}}; {{langx|tr|Larnaka}}}} also spelled '''Larnaka''', is a city on the southeast coast of [[Cyprus]] and the capital of the [[Larnaca District|district of the same name]]. With a district population of 144,200 in 2015, it is the third largest city in the country after [[Nicosia]] and [[Limassol]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/populationcondition_21main_gr/populationcondition_21main_gr?OpenForm&sub=1&sel=1|title=Στατιστική Υπηρεσία - Πληθυσμός και Κοινωνικές Συνθήκες - Πληθυσμός - Ανακοινώσεις|website=www.mof.gov.cy|access-date=2017-11-11}}</ref>
'''Larnaca''', ([[Greek language|Greek]]: ''Λάρνακα'', [[Turkish language|Turkish]]: ''Larnaka'') is a [[city]] of the [[Cyprus#Government|Republic of Cyprus]] situated on the southern coast of [[Cyprus]]. The major international [[airport]], [[Larnaca International Airport]] is located in this city. In ancient times, Larnaca was known as '''Kition''', or (in [[Latin]]) '''Citium'''. The biblical name '''[[Kittim]]''', though derived from Citium, was in fact used quite generally for Cyprus as a whole, and occasionally by the [[Jews]] for the [[ancient Greece|Greeks]] and [[ancient Rome|Romans]]. Larnaca is colloquially known as "Skala" (Greek: ''Σκάλα'').


Built on the ruins of [[Kition|Citium]], the [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greek]] city-state best known as the birthplace of [[stoicism|Stoic]] philosopher [[Zeno of Citium]], Larnaca is home to the [[Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca|Church of Saint Lazarus]], [[Hala Sultan Tekke]], [[Kamares Aqueduct]], [[Larnaca Castle]], [[Larnaca District Archaeological Museum]], and [[Pierides Museum]]. It attracts many visitors to its beaches, as well as Finikoudes (Φοινικούδες; Greek for "palm trees"), its signature seafront promenade lined with palm trees. It gives its name to the country's primary airport, [[Larnaca International Airport]], which is situated in the neighbouring village of [[Dromolaxia]] rather than Larnaca proper. It also has a seaport and a marina.
It has a population of 72,000 (2001) and is the island's second commercial port and an important tourist resort. To the north of the town lies the island's oil refinery, while to the south of Larnaca the International Airport is situated. The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque sea-front which includes rows of [[palm trees]] (oi finikoudes, in the [[Cypriot dialect]]). Much of the activity is centred around the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these for the city of Larnaka is [[Cataclysm|Kataklysmos]] or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events.


== Name ==
A famous [[Athens|Athenian]] general, [[Kimon]], died at sea defending the city of Citium in a major battle with the Persians of [[Xerxes]]. On his deathbed, he urged his officers to conceal his death from both allied and Persians. The quote "Και Νεκρός Ενίκα" ("Even in death he was victorious") refers to Kimon. A statue of "Kimon the Athenian" stands proudly on the sea front promenade of modern Larnaca.
The name ''Larnaca'' originates from the [[Ancient Greek]] noun {{lang|grc|λάρναξ}} {{transl|grc|[[larnax]]}} 'coffer, box; chest, e.g. for household stores; cinerary urn, sarcophagus, coffin; drinking trough, chalice'. An informal etymology attributes the origin of the name to the many ''larnakes'' ([[Sarcophagus|sarcophagi]]) that have been found in the area.<ref>"The great number of sarcophagoi (larnakes) found at Larnaca may have given to the modern city its name." Excerpt of wall mounted text at [[Larnaca District Archaeological Museum|Larnaca District Museum]], under the title "Kition: The necropolis"</ref> Sophocles Hadjisavvas, a state archeologist, states that "[the city's U.S.] consul of the last quarter of the 19th century, claimed to have explored more than 3,000 tombs in the area of Larnaca, so-called after the immense number of sarcophagi found in the modern town".<ref>[http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~semitic/wl/publications/2012/hadjisavvas.html The Phoenician Period Necropolis of Kition, Volume I] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111945/http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~semitic/wl/publications/2012/hadjisavvas.html |date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>


The city is also colloquially known as “Skala” from the Greek noun σκάλα, meaning ladder. In Turkish it has been translated to İskele. This name referred to the historic port of the city,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ITiCSE 2018 |url=https://iticse.acm.org/ITiCSE2018/Larnaca.html#:~:text=Apart%20from%20Larnaca,%20the%20city,trading%20activity%20of%20the%20port. |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=iticse.acm.org}}</ref> though now it is the name of the area which surrounds it, in which the Turkish Cypriot inhabitants of the city lived in prior to the [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus]]. After which they migrated to [[Trikomo, Cyprus|Trikomo]], which was later renamed to Yeni İskele (meaning “New Skala”), in honour of their origins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PRIO |url=http://www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net/default.asp?id=627 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net}}</ref>
Like other cities of Cyprus, it has suffered repeatedly from [[earthquake]]s, and in medieval times when its harbour silted up (a sign that the island was deforested and overgrazed) the population moved to Larnaca, on the open seafront farther south. The harbour and citadel have now disappeared. Traces remain of the circuit wall, and of a sanctuary with copious terra-cotta offerings; the large cemetery has yielded constant loot to illicit excavation for more than a century.


== History ==
----
[[File:Street in Larnaca, Cyprus. Wellcome L0056669.jpg|thumb|left|Street in Larnaca in 1878]]
[[File:STEVENSON(1880) p046 BAZAAR AT LARNACA.jpg|thumb|left|1880 drawing of market in Larnaca]]
The former city-kingdom of [[Kition]] was originally established in the 13th century BC. New cultural elements appearing between 1200 BC and 1000 BC, including pottery, new architectural forms. These archaeological findings are interpreted as indications of significant political changes and the arrival of the [[Achaeans (tribe)|Achaeans]], the first Greek colonists of Kition. Around the same time, [[Phoenicians]] settled the area.


At the [[Kition (ancient state)#The Kition archaeological sites|archaeological sites of Kiteon]], remains that date from the 13th century BC have been found. Around 1000 BC, Kition was rebuilt by [[Phoenicians]] and it subsequently became a center of Phoenician culture. The remains of the sites include [[cyclopean wall]]s and a complex of five temples and a [[naval]] port.
=='''History'''==


It was conquered in the first millennium BC by a series of great powers of the region. First by the [[Assyrian Empire]], then by [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]]. Like most Cypriot cities, Kition belonged to the Persian [[Achaemenid Empire]]. In 450 BC, the [[Athens|Athenian]] general [[Cimon]] died at sea, while militarily supporting the revolt against Persia's rule over Cyprus. On his deathbed, he urged his officers to conceal his death from both their allies and the Persians.
'''The christian crusades tried to conquer the city of Kudüs (Jeruselam). They first captured the island of Cyprus. After crusades defeated by the eastern Muslim armies, they withdraw from the east and return to the Europe. After the end of Crusades attacks to the Eastern world, SPANIANS RETURNED TO SPANIA, ITALIANS RETURNED TO ITALIA, FRENCHS RETURNED TO FRANCE, ETC. But some of these greevy people (namely, Greeks) - who are in the seek of capturing prosperity of the east - did not leave the east completely. Consequently, the existence of a European race (Greeks) in the Cyprus island comes from these residuals, namely Greeks (a European race) in an Asia island (Cyprus) are the residuals of the crusades. There is no reason for Greeks for staying in an Asian (Eastern World) island, Cyprus. There have been lots of time that Crusades wars ended. Hence, Greeks in the Cyprus must return to Greece without any delay. Native Cypriots don't want any greedy greek in the Cyprus island.


Strong<ref name=Guidebook18>{{cite book |last= Flourentzos |first=P.| title= A Guide to the Larnaca District Museum |year=1996 |publisher= Ministry of Communications and Works – Department of Antiquities |isbn=9789963364251 |page=18}}</ref> earthquakes hit the city in 76 AD and the year after.
'''Ottoman Turks (an eastern race) conquered the half of the island in 1570. In 1571, Turks conquered the island completely. Hence, the Asiaic Cyprus island became again home to the Asiaic race (Turks). During Ottoman Turks-Russia war, Turks left only the administration of Cyprus to the British Empire. In 1914, by the conflicting atmosphere of WW1, British Empire declared illegally that the Cyprus island is a Crown colony , opposite to the 1878 agreement between Turks and Britons.'''


Earthquakes of 322 AD and 342 "caused the destruction not only of Kition but also of Salamis and Pafos".<ref name=Guidebook18/> Kition's harbor silted up, and the population moved to the seafront farther south, sometime after this. Contributing factors to the silting are thought to have been earthquakes, [[deforestation]], and [[overgrazing]].
'''Larnaca was the scene of extreme violence in the period just prior to Cypriot independence in 1960. Since the Greek supported coup and etnically tried cleansing of Turks, Turkey acted in 1974.'''


The [[port|commercial port]] was located at [[Skala (neighborhood in Larnaca)|Skala]], during the [[Ottoman Cyprus|Ottoman Period]] starting in 1571. [[Skala (neighborhood in Larnaca)|Skala]] is the name of the seashore immediately south of the [[Larnaca Castle]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Road & Tourist Map of Larnaka |publisher=SELAS LTD. |isbn=9789963566921}}</ref> and [[Skala (neighborhood in Larnaca)|its neighborhood]].


==Geography==
'''[[Image:municipality larnaca.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Municipality Square with Hotel Sun Hall in the background, Larnaca]]'''
The [[Larnaca Salt Lake|Salt Lake]] fills with water during the winter season and is visited by flocks of flamingoes who stay there from November until the end of March. It usually dries up in the summer. In the past,{{When|date=February 2014}} it yielded good quality salt scraped from the dried surface. The salt from the lake is now considered unsuitable for consumption.


===Climate===
----
The climate in this area is described by the [[Köppen Climate Classification|Köppen Climate Classification System]] as a [[hot semi-arid climate]] (''BSh'') due to its low annual rainfall and hot summer temperatures resulting in highly negative water balance. It is sometimes described as a [[mediterranean climate]] due to the pronounced rainy season in winter and virtually rainless summers, but the total annual rainfall is below the required amount to avoid the semi-arid classification.


{{Weather box
==Tourism==
|location = Larnaca ([[Larnaca International Airport]]) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1881-present)
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan record high C = 24.0
|Feb record high C = 26.2
|Mar record high C = 30.3
|Apr record high C = 34.1
|May record high C = 40.6
|Jun record high C = 41.5
|Jul record high C = 41.1
|Aug record high C = 40.9
|Sep record high C = 39.7
|Oct record high C = 34.8
|Nov record high C = 31.5
|Dec record high C = 26.6
|year record high C = 41.1
| Jan high C = 17.1
| Feb high C = 17.5
| Mar high C = 19.9
| Apr high C = 23.0
| May high C = 27.0
| Jun high C = 30.6
| Jul high C = 33.0
| Aug high C = 33.3
| Sep high C = 31.4
| Oct high C = 28.3
| Nov high C = 23.3
| Dec high C = 18.9
| year high C = 25.3


| Jan mean C = 12.4
Larnaca is one of the major seaside resorts in Cyprus. There are numerous beaches in and around Larnaca which extend for approx 25&nbsp;km (16&nbsp;mi). The main Phinikoudes and McKenzie beaches both have been awarded Blue Flags for environmental cleanliness.
| Feb mean C = 12.6
| Mar mean C = 14.5
| Apr mean C = 17.6
| May mean C = 21.7
| Jun mean C = 25.3
| Jul mean C = 27.8
| Aug mean C = 28.2
| Sep mean C = 26.0
| Oct mean C = 22.9
| Nov mean C = 18.2
| Dec mean C = 14.3
| year mean C = 20.1


| Jan low C = 7.8
The archaeological sites and its six museums are in the centre of the town. Summer sports and sea activities are readily available. The shops are well stocked and medical care is good. Since [[2001]] there is one main six-screen cinema on the edge of the town.
| Feb low C = 7.6
| Mar low C = 9.1
| Apr low C = 12.1
| May low C = 16.4
| Jun low C = 20.1
| Jul low C = 22.6
| Aug low C = 23.0
| Sep low C = 20.6
| Oct low C = 17.5
| Nov low C = 13.2
| Dec low C = 9.7
| year low C = 15.0
|Jan record low C = -0.9
|Feb record low C = -1.3
|Mar record low C = -1.0
|Apr record low C = 2.0
|May record low C = 8.5
|Jun record low C = 12.5
|Jul record low C = 16.0
|Aug record low C = 15.6
|Sep record low C = 12.4
|Oct record low C = 7.6
|Nov record low C = 1.9
|Dec record low C = 0.6
|year record low C = -1.3
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 83.2
| Feb precipitation mm = 47.4
| Mar precipitation mm = 30.3
| Apr precipitation mm = 15.8
| May precipitation mm = 11.5
| Jun precipitation mm = 2.1
| Jul precipitation mm = 0.7
| Aug precipitation mm = 0.4
| Sep precipitation mm = 5.2
| Oct precipitation mm = 16.0
| Nov precipitation mm = 42.0
| Dec precipitation mm = 95.4
| year precipitation mm = 350.1
| Jan humidity = 72
| Feb humidity = 71
| Mar humidity = 68
| Apr humidity = 65
| May humidity = 63
| Jun humidity = 64
| Jul humidity = 67
| Aug humidity = 66
| Sep humidity = 61
| Oct humidity = 60
| Nov humidity = 64
| Dec humidity = 72
| year humidity = 66


| Jan sun = 181.4
There is a wide variety of restaurants, tavernas, cafeterias and bars catering for varied tastes between 'traditional Irish pub' through international chains like McDonalds to local Cypriot fare. The Cyprus 'meze' is the food specialty of the town. Cultural life is rich and many events are organized by the town's municipality almost daily.
| Feb sun = 189.4
| Mar sun = 243.0
| Apr sun = 273.6
| May sun = 338.4
| Jun sun = 378.6
| Jul sun = 394.4
| Aug sun = 370.3
| Sep sun = 314.7
| Oct sun = 272.5
| Nov sun = 214.5
| Dec sun = 177.1
| year sun = 3348.0


|source 1 = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref name="WMONormals">{{cite web
Within the wider Larnaca district there are 9,500 hotel beds, about 10% of the total all island tourist capacity. Along the Larnaca Bay there are luxurious beach hotels and also hotel apartments or holiday apartments within all price ranges. Prices are generally lower from the rest of the island. Its international airport lies a few kilometres from the centre of the town, but because the flight path is over the sea there is almost no audible noise from landing and departing aircraft.
|url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Cyprus/CSV/LarnakaAirport_17609.csv
|title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Larnaka Airport
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|access-date = January 12, 2024}}</ref>
|source 2 = Meteo Climat (record highs and lows)<ref name = meteoclimat>
{{cite web
| url = http://meteo-climat-bzh.dyndns.org/station-720-Larnaca.php
| title = Station Maceio
| publisher = Meteo Climat
|language = fr
| access-date = 17 December 2018}}</ref>
|date=December 2010}}


==Landmarks==
== Promenade ==
{{wide image|Larnaca banner.jpg|900px|Panoramic view of Finikoudes beach}}
[[Image:Marina larnakas'.jpg‎|thumb|View of the Promenade from the Marina, Larnaca]]
[[Image:larnaka paralia.jpg|thumb|Seaside Avenue "Foinikoudes", Larnaca]]
[[Image:finikoudes.jpg|thumb|Seaside Avenue "Foinikoudes", Larnaca]]
[[Image:aqueduct larnaca.jpg|thumb|The Old Aqueduct outside the city of Larnaca]]
[[Image:Larnaka eklisia.jpg|thumb|Agios Lazaros Church in [[Larnaca]], built over the tomb of [[Lazarus]].]]
[[Image:Marina Larnaca.jpg|thumb|Marina Larnaca]]
[[Image:Tekke.JPG|thumb|[[Hala Sultan Tekke]] with [[Larnaca Salt Lake]] in the foreground]]


Finikoudes is the [[esplanade|promenade]] along Athenon Avenue on the seafront. A row of palm trees ([[Cypriot Greek]]: {{lang|el|φοινικούδες}}, {{transl|el|foinikoudes}}) lines either side of it.
The most important site of Larnaca are the ruins of Ancient Kitium. The earliest architectural remains date back to the [[13th century BC|13th century B.C]]. the area was rebuilt by [[Achaean]] Greeks. The remains of the Cyclopean Walls, made of giant blocks and the complex of the five temples, are particularly interesting.


Much of the activity is centered on the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these is ''[[Deluge (mythology)|Kataklysmos]]'' or the ''Festival of the Flood'', celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events. The festival used to last for about a week, but, in recent years, with the increased commercialism of peripheral stalls, rides, and temporary [[Lokma]] restaurants, the festival has been extended to about three weeks, during which the seafront is closed to traffic in the evenings.
Another place of interest is the Marable Bust of Zeno, which stands at the crossroads near the American Academy. Zeno was born in Kition (ancient Larnaka) in [[326 BC|326 B.C.]]. After studying philosophy in [[Athens]] he founded the famous [[Stoic]] school or philosophy.


== Monuments ==
Near Larnaka International Airport there is the [[Larnaca Salt Lake]]. It fills with water during the winter and is visited by flocks of flamingoes who stay here from November till the end of March. It dries up in the summer. It used to yield a good quality of salt which was is scraped from its dried up surface.The salt from this lake is now considered unfit for human consumption.
[[File:Lazarus-Kirche, Larnaka (03).jpg|thumb|[[Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca]]]]
* A [[Bust (sculpture)|bust]] of [[Cimon]] stands on the Foinikoudes Promenade, with this quote referring to him on the [[pedestal]]: "Even in death he was victorious" ({{langx|el|"Kαι νεκρός ενίκα"|links=no}}).
* The marble bust of [[Zeno of Citium]] stands at the crossroads near the American Academy. Zeno was born in Kition in 334 BC. After studying philosophy in [[Athens]], he founded the [[Stoicism]] school of philosophy.
* The [[Armenian Genocide Memorial in Larnaca|Armenian Genocide Memorial]] stands on Athenon Avenue.


== Landmarks ==
About half-way between the monument of Zeno and Salt Lake on the right, there is the underground chapel of Ayia Phaneromeni. It is a rock cavern with two chambers. The structure suggests that it once was a pagan tomb, possibly dating back to Phoenician times. The place is credited with various magical properties: thus those who suffer from headaches or other diseases walk three times round it and leave a piece of clothing or a tuft of their hair on the grill in front of the south window. It is also much frequented by girls, whose lovers are overseas, who come here to pray for their safety.
The city's landmarks include the [[Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca|Church of Saint Lazarus]], the [[Catacomb of Phaneromeni Church]], [[Hala Sultan Tekke]], the [[Bekir Pasha Aqueduct]], and the [[Larnaca Castle]].


==Economy==
The Church of Lazarus (''Agios Lazaros'') is another magnificent Orthodox Church in Larnaca which was built in the town over the tomb of St. [[Lazarus]], the brother of [[Mary, sister of Lazarus|Mary]] and [[Martha]]. He died here and was buried in the church named after him. In [[890]] A.D. his tomb was found bearing the inscription "Lazarus the friend of Christ". The marble sarcophagus can be seen inside the church under the Holy of Holies.
[[File:Europe square.JPG|thumb|Europe's square with government buildings]]
Larnaca's economy has been growing since 1975,{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}} after the loss of the [[Port of Famagusta]], which handled 80% of general cargo, and the closure of [[Nicosia International Airport]], events which have seen Larnaca's airport and seaport play increasingly important roles in the economy of the island. A €650m upgrade of Larnaca Airport has been completed.


The service sector, including tourism, employs three-quarters of Larnaca's labour force.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}} Many travel and tour operators and other travel-related companies have a head office in Larnaca.
The [[Hala Sultan Tekke]] is about 5&nbsp;km (3&nbsp;mi) west of Larnaka, on the banks of the Salt Lake. It is equivalent to the Christian "monastery". Within the precincts of this Tekke is the tomb of Umm Haram, said to be the foster mother of [[Mohammed]]. According to Moslem tradition Umm Haram died on this spot in [[647]] A.D. while accompanying the [[Arab]] invaders. She was buried here and later the [[Cyprus under the Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] built the present mosque in her honour.


==Education==
Another site of interest is the Fort of Larnaca which was erected by the [[Ottoman Empire|Turks]] in 1625. This fort is now a museum and its inner courtyard is used as an open air garden - theatre during the summer months, by kind permission of the director of antiquities.
[[File:The Cornaro art institute.JPG|thumb|The former Cornaro Institute in Larnaca was an art school and cultural centre prior to its closure by the municipality in 2017]]

There are over a hundred educational institutions in the city,{{Citation needed|date=March 2013}} including the [[American Academy of Larnaca|American Academy]], [[Larnaca Armenian school|Larnaca Nareg Armenian school]] and the Alexander College.
The Old Aqueduct known as "The Kamares", stands outside the town on the way to Limassol. It was built in Roman style in 1745 to carry water from a source about 6 miles south of Larnaka into the town. The aqueduct is illuminated at night.


==Culture==
==Culture==
===Arts===
Larnaca has a theatre and an art gallery, which are operated by the municipality. The Cornaro Institute was a cultural centre founded by the celebrated Cypriot artist [[Stass Paraskos]] in the Old Town in 2007, which staged contemporary art exhibitions and other cultural events, prior to its closure by Larnaca Municipality in 2017.

===Music===
[[File:Larnaca band.JPG|thumb|[[Larnaca Municipal Band|The Municipal Wind Orchestra]]]]
Local institutions include the [[Larnaca Municipal Band|Municipal Wind Orchestra]].

===Sports===
===Sports===
Local teams include ([[football (soccer)|football]]:) [[AEK Larnaca FC]] and [[ALKI Larnaca FC]].
The city is the home to the [[football (soccer)|football]] teams [[AEK Larnaca FC]], and [[ALKI Larnaca FC]]. Both teams play in a stadium of a city called [[GSZ Stadium]] or Zenon Stadium. Since the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus by Turkey in 1974, the two teams of Famagusta, [[Anorthosis Famagusta|Anorthosis]] and [[Nea Salamina]], have their own stadiums in Larnaca. "[[Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium|Antonis Papadopoulos]]" is the Anorthosis' stadium and "[[Ammochostos Stadium|Ammochostos]]" (means Famagusta) is the stadium of Nea Salamina.
Due to the Turkish occupation of [[Famagusta]], the two teams of Famagusta, [[Anorthosis Famagusta|Anorthosis]] and [[Nea Salamina]], are located here.


Local [[sports arena]]s include [[AEK Arena - Georgios Karapatakis]], [[GSZ Stadium]], [[Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium]] and [[Ammochostos Stadium]].
Larnaca hosted the [[European Under-19 Football Championship]] final, in 1998 and the [[European Under-17 Football Championship]] final in 1992.


International competitions held in the city, include the [[Larnaka International Marathon]] since 2017, the [[Shooting Shotgun European Championships]] in 2012, the [[FIVB Beach Volleyball SWATCH Youth World Championship]] in 2012, the [[European Under-19 Football Championship]] final in 1998 and the [[European Under-17 Football Championship]] final in 1992.
===Notable people===
*[[Zeno of Citium]], [[stoic]] philosopher
*[[Apollonios of Kition]], (physician, 1st c BC, nicknamed ‘the Cypriot Hippocrates’)
*[[St Lazarus]] (although not born in Larnaca, he was the first Bishop of the town during 45-63AD and he died there - for the second time)
*[[Demetres Lipertis]], 1866-1937 (national poet)
*[[Demetrios Pieridis]], 1811-1895 (created the Pieridi Museum)
*[[Anna Vissi]], a Greek-Cypriot singer
*[[Neoclis Kyriazis]], medical doctor and historian
*[[Mehmet Nazim Adil]], the leader of the [[Naqshbandi|Nakshbandi]] [[Sufi]] order (or [[Tariqah|Tekke]]) was born in Larnaca
*[[Stelios Konstantas]]


Larnaca attracts windsurfers from around the world, especially in autumn. Mackenzie Beach hosts a windsurfing centre together with an extreme sports centre.
==Twinning==
Larnaca Municipality is a twin town with the following:


===Museums===
*{{flagicon|Georgia}} '''[[Poti]]''', [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] ''(1987)''
Museums found in Larnaca include the [[Larnaca District Archaeological Museum]], [[Pierides Museum (Larnaca)|Pierides Museum]], Agios Lazaros Byzantine Museum, Kallinikeio Municipal Museum of Athienou, Larnaca Medieval Museum, Larnaca Municipal Museum of Natural History, Larnaca Municipal Historical Archives - Museum of Larnaca, Folklore Museum ‘Kostas Kaimakliotis’ - Aradippou, Theasis Museum, Kyriazis Medical Museum and Museum of Michel Platini.
*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} '''[[Haringey]]''', [[London]], [[United Kingdom]] ''(1987)''

*{{flagicon|Greece}} '''[[Glyfada]]''', [[Greece]] ''(1988)''
== Cuisine and seafood ==
*{{flagicon|France}} '''[[Ajaccio]]''', [[Corsica]], [[France]] ''(1989)''
The beaches of Larnaca are lined with nearly identical seafood restaurants catering to tourists. Although there are many continental and international restaurants in Larnaca, visitors do not miss out on indulging in the local food. Many of the staple dishes involve beans, such as ''fasolaki'' ([[French beans]] cooked in red wine with lamb), and ''louvi me lahana'' ([[black-eyed pea]]s with [[chard]]).
*{{flagicon|Slovakia}} '''[[Bratislava]]''', [[Slovakia]] ''(1989)''

*{{flagicon|Greece}} '''[[Larissa]]''', Greece ''(1990)''
Some of the standard appetizers are potato salad, kohlrabi salad, and hot grilled black olives. The next course may include [[Cyprus village sausage]] and [[sheftalia]], [[dolmades]] and [[kefte]]des, [[kolokassi]] in tomato sauce, and several aubergine-based dishes. Baked or grilled lamb (''[[souvla]]'') usually appears somewhere in the course of dining, as does some kind of fish.
*{{flagicon|Russia}} '''[[Novosibirsk]]''', [[Russia]] ''(1993)''

*{{flagicon|Hungary}} '''[[Szeged]]''', [[Hungary]] ''(1993)''
==Neighbourhoods==
*{{flagicon|Albania}} '''[[Sarandë]]''', [[Albania]] ''(1994)''
Larnaca's neighbourhoods include [[Skala (neighborhood in Larnaca)|Skala]], [[Prodromos (neighborhood in Larnaca)|Prodromos]], Faneromeni, Drosia, Kamares, Vergina and Agioi Anargyroi.
*{{flagicon|Greece}} '''[[Piraeus]]''', Greece ''(1995)''

*{{flagicon|Greece}} '''[[Leros]]''', Greece ''(2000)''
==Transport==
*{{flagicon|Greece}} '''[[Elioupolis]]''', Greece ''(2000)''
[[File:Aerial view of the Larnaca International Airport in 2022.jpg|thumb|[[Larnaca International Airport]]]]
*{{flagicon|Australia}} '''[[Marrickville, New South Wales]]''', Australia ''(2007)''

The city's [[transport hub]]s are [[Larnaca International Airport]] and [[Larnaca Port]]—the Republic's busiest [[airport]] and second busiest port.

===Public transport===
Public transport in Larnaca is served only by buses. Fares cost 2.40 cash (April 2024)

==International relations==

===Twin towns – sister cities===
Larnaca Municipality is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with the following:<ref>{{cite web|script-title=el:Οι αδελφοποιήσεις της Λάρνακας|language=el|website=Larnaca Municipality|url=http://www.larnaka.org.cy/en/page/adelfopoiiseis|access-date=14 April 2014|archive-date=8 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082424/http://www.larnaka.org.cy/en/page/adelfopoiiseis|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Acapulco]], Mexico (since 2011)<ref name="MFA">{{cite web |url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/embassies/embassy_mexico.nsf/0/4C41F906CA4137F9C2257829007F2BBA/$file/Comunicado%20Gestiones%20hermanamiento%20Acapulco%20-%20Larnaca.pdf |title=Se llevan a cabo gestiones para realizar hermanamiento entre Lárnaca y Acapulco|language=es |access-date=2 February 2017}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Ajaccio]], France (since 1989)
* {{flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Bratislava]], Slovakia (since 2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bratislava-city.sk/bratislava-twin-towns%7Carchivedate%3D28 |title=Archived copy |website=www.bratislava-city.sk |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728183628/http://www.bratislava-city.sk/bratislava-twin-towns%7Carchivedate%3D28 |archive-date=28 July 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Galaxidi]], Greece (since 2005)<ref name="twinnings-greece">{{cite web|title=Αδελφοποιήσεις – Twinnings|publisher=Central Union of Municipalities & Communities of Greece|url=http://www.kedke.gr/uploads/twinnedcities.pdf|access-date=14 April 2014|archive-date=5 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805053212/http://www.kedke.gr/uploads/twinnedcities.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Giannitsa]], Greece (since 2003)<ref name="twinnings-greece" />
* {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Glyfada]], Greece (since 1998)
* {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Ilioupoli]], Greece (since 2000)<ref name="twinnings-greece" />
* {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Larissa]], Greece (since 1990)<ref name="twinnings-greece" />
* {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Leros]], Greece (since 2000)<ref name="twinnings-greece" />
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Marrickville, New South Wales|Marrickville]], Australia (since 2005)
* {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Piraeus]], Greece (since 1999)<ref name="twinnings-greece" />
* {{flagicon|GEO}} [[Poti]], Georgia (since 1987)
* {{flagicon|ALB}} [[Sarandë]], Albania (since 1994)
* {{flagicon|HUN}} [[Szeged]], Hungary (since 1993)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tarpon Springs, Florida|Tarpon Springs]], U.S. (since 2009)
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Tianjin]], China (since 2007)
* {{flagicon|ROU}} [[Tulcea]], Romania (since 2003)
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Venice]], Italy (since 2010)
{{Div col end}}

=== Consulates and consulates general ===
{{As of|2024|October}}, Larnaca hosts 2 consulates general and 13 consulates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Larnaca - Foreign consulates |url=https://www.embassypages.com/city/larnaca |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=EmbassyPages}}</ref>
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{AFG}}
*{{ALB}}
*{{BGD}} (consulate general)
*{{BIH}}
*{{SLV}}
*{{FRA}}
*{{GMB}}
*{{ITA}}
*{{MAR}} (consulate general)
*{{PHL}}
*{{PRT}}
*{{VCT}}
*{{LKA}}
*{{TUN}}
*{{UGA}}
{{Div col end}}

==Notable residents==
* [[Zeno of Citium]] (c. 334 – c. 262 BC), [[Stoicism|Stoic]] philosopher
* [[Apollonios of Kition]] (1st century BC), physician, nicknamed "the Cypriot Hippocrates"
* [[Ebubekir Pasha]] (1670 – 1757/1758), Governor of Larnaca and philanthropist
* [[Demetrios Pieridis]] (1811–1895), founder of the [[Pierides Museum (Larnaca)|Pieridis Museum]]
* [[Dimitris Lipertis]] (1866–1937), national poet
* [[Neoclis Kyriazis]] (1877–1956), medical doctor and historian
* [[Mehmet Nazim Adil]] (1922–2014), leader of the [[Naqshbandi|Nakshbandi]] [[Sufism|Sufi]] order (or [[Tariqah|Tekke]]), born in Larnaca
* [[Kyriacos A. Athanasiou]], Cypriot-American academic, entrepreneur, and past president of the Biomedical Engineering Society
* [[Stass Paraskos]], artist
* [[Mihalis Violaris]], singer and composer who helped popularise Cypriot music in Greece
* [[Giorgos Theofanous]], composer
* [[Anna Vissi]], singer
* [[Loukas Giorkas|Loucas Yiorkas]], singer, [[The X Factor (Greek TV series)|The X Factor]] winner in 2009
* [[Ada Nicodemou]], actress
* [[Garo Yepremian]], Armenian-Cypriot former NFL [[placekicker]], played as a member of the [[1972 Miami Dolphins]], to date the only team in NFL history to finish with a perfect record
* [[Chrystalleni Trikomiti]], Commonwealth Games gold-medalist rhythmic gymnast
* [[Martino Tirimo]], Cypriot classical pianist
* [[Tio Ellinas]], Cypriot racing driver

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Fishing port (psarolimano).JPG|Fishing port "Psarolimano"
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img30 Salt Lake.jpg|[[Hala Sultan Tekke]]
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img01 Larnaca Fort.jpg|Castle exterior
File:Castle square wharf.JPG|Castle square pier
File:Kimon statue.JPG|Kimon statue
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img27 Finikoudes.jpg|Finikoudes Avenue
File:Palm trees promenade by night (foinikoudes).JPG|View of Larnaca from sea
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img26 Larnaca Marina.jpg|Larnaca marina
File:Salt lake at sunset.JPG|Larnaca Salt Lake
File:Aspect of the old town.JPG|Aspect of the old town
File:Aspect of the old town2.JPG|Souvenir shops
File:Aspect of the old town3.JPG|Old town
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img25 Kamares Aqueduct.jpg|Old aqueduct [[Bekir Pasha Aqueduct|"Kamares"]]
File:Angeloktisti (built by angels) medieval church.JPG|Angeloktisti medieval church
File:Street in town center.JPG|Street in town center
File:Ermou square.JPG|Ermou square
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img02 StLazarus Church.jpg|Saint Lazarus
File:Vessels near Larnaca port.JPG|Vessels near Larnaca port
File:Larnaca Airport.JPG|Larnaca International Airport
File:Larnaca castle.jpg|Larnaca Castle interior
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img13 Larnaca District Administration.jpg|Building of District Administration Larnaca
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img11 Municipal Gallery.jpg|Europe square
File:Larnaca 01-2017 img08 Pieridis Museum of Antiquities.jpg|[[Pierides Museum (Larnaca)|Pierides Museum]]
File:Larnaca seafront panoramic.jpg|Larnaca seafront panorama
File:View from Oroklini Hill towards Larnaca.jpg|Panoramic view from [[Oroklini]] Hill towards Larnaca

File:Larnaca 01-2017 img12 Armenian Genocide Memorial.jpg|The Armenian Genocide Memorial, unveiled in 2008
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Larnaca International Airport]]
* [[Larnaca District]]
*[[Larnaca District]]
* [[Kittim]]
* [[Chryspolitissa Orthodox Church]]
*[[Kittim]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
*[http://www.larnaka.com/History.html History of Larnaka by the official Municipality]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commonscat|Larnaca}}
{{Commons category|Larnaca}}
*[http://www.larnaka.com Municipality of Larnaca Official Web Site]
* [http://www.larnaka.org.cy/ Municipality]
* [https://7777rentacar.com/discover-the-top-5-best-restaurants-in-larnaca-cyprus/ Discover the Restaurants in Larnaca]
*{{wikitravel}}
*{{Wikivoyage-inline}}


{{coor title dm|34|55|N|33|38|E|region:CY_type:city}}
{{Municipalities of Cyprus}}
{{Municipalities of Cyprus}}
{{Larnaca District}}
{{Landmarks of Larnaca}}
{{Ancient Cities of Cyprus}}
{{Ancient Cities of Cyprus}}
{{Phoenician cities and colonies navbox|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Ancient Greek cities]]
[[Category:Larnaca| ]]
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages in Cyprus]]
[[Category:Cities in ancient Cyprus]]
[[Category:Coastal cities]]
[[Category:Communities in Larnaca District]]
[[Category:Phoenician colonies]]
[[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Cyprus]]
[[Category:Port cities in Asia]]
[[Category:Mediterranean]]

[[bg:Ларнака]]
[[cs:Larnaka]]
[[de:Larnaka]]
[[el:Λάρνακα]]
[[es:Larnaca]]
[[fa:لارناکا]]
[[fr:Citium]]
[[hr:Larnaka]]
[[it:Larnaca]]
[[he:לרנקה]]
[[hu:Larnaca]]
[[nl:Larnaca]]
[[ja:ラルナカ]]
[[no:Larnaka]]
[[nn:Larnaka]]
[[pl:Larnaka]]
[[pt:Larnaca]]
[[ro:Larnaca]]
[[ru:Ларнака]]
[[sk:Larnaka]]
[[sr:Ларнака]]
[[fi:Larnaka]]
[[sv:Larnaca]]
[[tr:Larnaka]]
[[uk:Ларнака]]
[[zh:拉那卡]]

Latest revision as of 23:00, 18 December 2024

For the cricket genus, see Larnaca (cricket). For the similarly sounding city in Pakistan, see Larkana.

Larnaca
City and municipality
Aerial view of Finikoudes Seafront Promenade in Larnaca
Finikoudes Promenade
Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque in Larnaca, as seen from across the Larnaca salt Lake
Hala Sultan Tekke
Boats in the Larnaca Marina
Larnaca Marina
Exterior view of the Larnaca Castle
Larnaca Castle
The plaza in front of St Lazarus Church in Larnaca
St Lazarus Church
The Larnaca District Administration building
Larnaca District Administration
The Kamares Aqueduct in Larnaca
Kamares Aqueduct
Nickname(s): 
"Skala"
from Greek: "Σκάλα"; in Turkish: "İskele"[1]
Map
Interactive map outlining Larnaca Municipality
Larnaca is located in Cyprus
Larnaca
Larnaca
Location within Cyprus
Larnaca is located in Eastern Mediterranean
Larnaca
Larnaca
Location within the Eastern Mediterranean
Larnaca is located in European Union
Larnaca
Larnaca
Location within the European Union
Larnaca is located in Asia
Larnaca
Larnaca
Location within Asia
Coordinates: 34°55′N 33°38′E / 34.917°N 33.633°E / 34.917; 33.633
Country Cyprus
DistrictLarnaca District
Government
 • TypeMunicipal council
 • MayorAndreas Vyras (AKEL)
Area
[2]
32.85 km2 (12.68 sq mi)
 • Urban
118.62 km2 (45.80 sq mi)
Elevation
26 m (85 ft)
Population
 (2021)[3]
52,038
 • Rank4th municipality, 3rd urban in Cyprus[4]
 • Urban
90,419
 • Urban density760/km2 (2,000/sq mi)
 • District
155,753
 [a]
Demonym(s)Larnacan(s) (en)
Larnakiotis, (masc.), Larnakiotissa (fem.) (gr), Skaliotis, (masc.), Skaliotissa (fem.) (gr, colloquial)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Post code
6010-6060[5]
Area code24
Patron saintSaint Lazarus (12 April 2025)
Major airport(s)Larnaca International Airport
Websitewww.larnaka.org.cy

Larnaca,[b] also spelled Larnaka, is a city on the southeast coast of Cyprus and the capital of the district of the same name. With a district population of 144,200 in 2015, it is the third largest city in the country after Nicosia and Limassol.[6]

Built on the ruins of Citium, the Ancient Greek city-state best known as the birthplace of Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium, Larnaca is home to the Church of Saint Lazarus, Hala Sultan Tekke, Kamares Aqueduct, Larnaca Castle, Larnaca District Archaeological Museum, and Pierides Museum. It attracts many visitors to its beaches, as well as Finikoudes (Φοινικούδες; Greek for "palm trees"), its signature seafront promenade lined with palm trees. It gives its name to the country's primary airport, Larnaca International Airport, which is situated in the neighbouring village of Dromolaxia rather than Larnaca proper. It also has a seaport and a marina.

Name

[edit]

The name Larnaca originates from the Ancient Greek noun λάρναξ larnax 'coffer, box; chest, e.g. for household stores; cinerary urn, sarcophagus, coffin; drinking trough, chalice'. An informal etymology attributes the origin of the name to the many larnakes (sarcophagi) that have been found in the area.[7] Sophocles Hadjisavvas, a state archeologist, states that "[the city's U.S.] consul of the last quarter of the 19th century, claimed to have explored more than 3,000 tombs in the area of Larnaca, so-called after the immense number of sarcophagi found in the modern town".[8]

The city is also colloquially known as “Skala” from the Greek noun σκάλα, meaning ladder. In Turkish it has been translated to İskele. This name referred to the historic port of the city,[9] though now it is the name of the area which surrounds it, in which the Turkish Cypriot inhabitants of the city lived in prior to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. After which they migrated to Trikomo, which was later renamed to Yeni İskele (meaning “New Skala”), in honour of their origins.[10]

History

[edit]
Street in Larnaca in 1878
1880 drawing of market in Larnaca

The former city-kingdom of Kition was originally established in the 13th century BC. New cultural elements appearing between 1200 BC and 1000 BC, including pottery, new architectural forms. These archaeological findings are interpreted as indications of significant political changes and the arrival of the Achaeans, the first Greek colonists of Kition. Around the same time, Phoenicians settled the area.

At the archaeological sites of Kiteon, remains that date from the 13th century BC have been found. Around 1000 BC, Kition was rebuilt by Phoenicians and it subsequently became a center of Phoenician culture. The remains of the sites include cyclopean walls and a complex of five temples and a naval port.

It was conquered in the first millennium BC by a series of great powers of the region. First by the Assyrian Empire, then by Egypt. Like most Cypriot cities, Kition belonged to the Persian Achaemenid Empire. In 450 BC, the Athenian general Cimon died at sea, while militarily supporting the revolt against Persia's rule over Cyprus. On his deathbed, he urged his officers to conceal his death from both their allies and the Persians.

Strong[11] earthquakes hit the city in 76 AD and the year after.

Earthquakes of 322 AD and 342 "caused the destruction not only of Kition but also of Salamis and Pafos".[11] Kition's harbor silted up, and the population moved to the seafront farther south, sometime after this. Contributing factors to the silting are thought to have been earthquakes, deforestation, and overgrazing.

The commercial port was located at Skala, during the Ottoman Period starting in 1571. Skala is the name of the seashore immediately south of the Larnaca Castle[12] and its neighborhood.

Geography

[edit]

The Salt Lake fills with water during the winter season and is visited by flocks of flamingoes who stay there from November until the end of March. It usually dries up in the summer. In the past,[when?] it yielded good quality salt scraped from the dried surface. The salt from the lake is now considered unsuitable for consumption.

Climate

[edit]

The climate in this area is described by the Köppen Climate Classification System as a hot semi-arid climate (BSh) due to its low annual rainfall and hot summer temperatures resulting in highly negative water balance. It is sometimes described as a mediterranean climate due to the pronounced rainy season in winter and virtually rainless summers, but the total annual rainfall is below the required amount to avoid the semi-arid classification.

Climate data for Larnaca (Larnaca International Airport) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1881-present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 24.0
(75.2) 		26.2
(79.2) 		30.3
(86.5) 		34.1
(93.4) 		40.6
(105.1) 		41.5
(106.7) 		41.1
(106.0) 		40.9
(105.6) 		39.7
(103.5) 		34.8
(94.6) 		31.5
(88.7) 		26.6
(79.9) 		41.1
(106.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 17.1
(62.8) 		17.5
(63.5) 		19.9
(67.8) 		23.0
(73.4) 		27.0
(80.6) 		30.6
(87.1) 		33.0
(91.4) 		33.3
(91.9) 		31.4
(88.5) 		28.3
(82.9) 		23.3
(73.9) 		18.9
(66.0) 		25.3
(77.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) 12.4
(54.3) 		12.6
(54.7) 		14.5
(58.1) 		17.6
(63.7) 		21.7
(71.1) 		25.3
(77.5) 		27.8
(82.0) 		28.2
(82.8) 		26.0
(78.8) 		22.9
(73.2) 		18.2
(64.8) 		14.3
(57.7) 		20.1
(68.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 7.8
(46.0) 		7.6
(45.7) 		9.1
(48.4) 		12.1
(53.8) 		16.4
(61.5) 		20.1
(68.2) 		22.6
(72.7) 		23.0
(73.4) 		20.6
(69.1) 		17.5
(63.5) 		13.2
(55.8) 		9.7
(49.5) 		15.0
(59.0)
Record low °C (°F) −0.9
(30.4) 		−1.3
(29.7) 		−1.0
(30.2) 		2.0
(35.6) 		8.5
(47.3) 		12.5
(54.5) 		16.0
(60.8) 		15.6
(60.1) 		12.4
(54.3) 		7.6
(45.7) 		1.9
(35.4) 		0.6
(33.1) 		−1.3
(29.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 83.2
(3.28) 		47.4
(1.87) 		30.3
(1.19) 		15.8
(0.62) 		11.5
(0.45) 		2.1
(0.08) 		0.7
(0.03) 		0.4
(0.02) 		5.2
(0.20) 		16.0
(0.63) 		42.0
(1.65) 		95.4
(3.76) 		350.1
(13.78)
Average relative humidity (%) 72 71 68 65 63 64 67 66 61 60 64 72 66
Mean monthly sunshine hours 181.4 189.4 243.0 273.6 338.4 378.6 394.4 370.3 314.7 272.5 214.5 177.1 3,348
Source 1: NOAA[13]
Source 2: Meteo Climat (record highs and lows)[14]

Promenade

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Panoramic view of Finikoudes beach

Finikoudes is the promenade along Athenon Avenue on the seafront. A row of palm trees (Cypriot Greek: φοινικούδες, foinikoudes) lines either side of it.

Much of the activity is centered on the city promenade during the major festivals. The most important of these is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated in early summer with a series of cultural events. The festival used to last for about a week, but, in recent years, with the increased commercialism of peripheral stalls, rides, and temporary Lokma restaurants, the festival has been extended to about three weeks, during which the seafront is closed to traffic in the evenings.

Monuments

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Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca
  • A bust of Cimon stands on the Foinikoudes Promenade, with this quote referring to him on the pedestal: "Even in death he was victorious" (Greek: "Kαι νεκρός ενίκα").
  • The marble bust of Zeno of Citium stands at the crossroads near the American Academy. Zeno was born in Kition in 334 BC. After studying philosophy in Athens, he founded the Stoicism school of philosophy.
  • The Armenian Genocide Memorial stands on Athenon Avenue.

Landmarks

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The city's landmarks include the Church of Saint Lazarus, the Catacomb of Phaneromeni Church, Hala Sultan Tekke, the Bekir Pasha Aqueduct, and the Larnaca Castle.

Economy

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Europe's square with government buildings

Larnaca's economy has been growing since 1975,[citation needed] after the loss of the Port of Famagusta, which handled 80% of general cargo, and the closure of Nicosia International Airport, events which have seen Larnaca's airport and seaport play increasingly important roles in the economy of the island. A €650m upgrade of Larnaca Airport has been completed.

The service sector, including tourism, employs three-quarters of Larnaca's labour force.[citation needed] Many travel and tour operators and other travel-related companies have a head office in Larnaca.

Education

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The former Cornaro Institute in Larnaca was an art school and cultural centre prior to its closure by the municipality in 2017

There are over a hundred educational institutions in the city,[citation needed] including the American Academy, Larnaca Nareg Armenian school and the Alexander College.

Culture

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Arts

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Larnaca has a theatre and an art gallery, which are operated by the municipality. The Cornaro Institute was a cultural centre founded by the celebrated Cypriot artist Stass Paraskos in the Old Town in 2007, which staged contemporary art exhibitions and other cultural events, prior to its closure by Larnaca Municipality in 2017.

Music

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The Municipal Wind Orchestra

Local institutions include the Municipal Wind Orchestra.

Sports

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Local teams include (football:) AEK Larnaca FC and ALKI Larnaca FC. Due to the Turkish occupation of Famagusta, the two teams of Famagusta, Anorthosis and Nea Salamina, are located here.

Local sports arenas include AEK Arena - Georgios Karapatakis, GSZ Stadium, Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium and Ammochostos Stadium.

International competitions held in the city, include the Larnaka International Marathon since 2017, the Shooting Shotgun European Championships in 2012, the FIVB Beach Volleyball SWATCH Youth World Championship in 2012, the European Under-19 Football Championship final in 1998 and the European Under-17 Football Championship final in 1992.

Larnaca attracts windsurfers from around the world, especially in autumn. Mackenzie Beach hosts a windsurfing centre together with an extreme sports centre.

Museums

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Museums found in Larnaca include the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum, Pierides Museum, Agios Lazaros Byzantine Museum, Kallinikeio Municipal Museum of Athienou, Larnaca Medieval Museum, Larnaca Municipal Museum of Natural History, Larnaca Municipal Historical Archives - Museum of Larnaca, Folklore Museum ‘Kostas Kaimakliotis’ - Aradippou, Theasis Museum, Kyriazis Medical Museum and Museum of Michel Platini.

Cuisine and seafood

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The beaches of Larnaca are lined with nearly identical seafood restaurants catering to tourists. Although there are many continental and international restaurants in Larnaca, visitors do not miss out on indulging in the local food. Many of the staple dishes involve beans, such as fasolaki (French beans cooked in red wine with lamb), and louvi me lahana (black-eyed peas with chard).

Some of the standard appetizers are potato salad, kohlrabi salad, and hot grilled black olives. The next course may include Cyprus village sausage and sheftalia, dolmades and keftedes, kolokassi in tomato sauce, and several aubergine-based dishes. Baked or grilled lamb (souvla) usually appears somewhere in the course of dining, as does some kind of fish.

Neighbourhoods

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Larnaca's neighbourhoods include Skala, Prodromos, Faneromeni, Drosia, Kamares, Vergina and Agioi Anargyroi.

Transport

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Larnaca International Airport

The city's transport hubs are Larnaca International Airport and Larnaca Port—the Republic's busiest airport and second busiest port.

Public transport

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Public transport in Larnaca is served only by buses. Fares cost 2.40 cash (April 2024)

International relations

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Twin towns – sister cities

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Larnaca Municipality is twinned with the following:[15]

Consulates and consulates general

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As of October 2024, Larnaca hosts 2 consulates general and 13 consulates.[19]

Notable residents

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[edit]
  • Fishing port "Psarolimano"
    Fishing port "Psarolimano"
  • Hala Sultan Tekke
    Hala Sultan Tekke
  • Castle exterior
    Castle exterior
  • Castle square pier
    Castle square pier
  • Kimon statue
    Kimon statue
  • Finikoudes Avenue
    Finikoudes Avenue
  • View of Larnaca from sea
    View of Larnaca from sea
  • Larnaca marina
    Larnaca marina
  • Larnaca Salt Lake
    Larnaca Salt Lake
  • Aspect of the old town
    Aspect of the old town
  • Souvenir shops
    Souvenir shops
  • Old town
    Old town
  • Old aqueduct "Kamares"
    Old aqueduct "Kamares"
  • Angeloktisti medieval church
    Angeloktisti medieval church
  • Street in town center
    Street in town center
  • Ermou square
    Ermou square
  • Saint Lazarus
    Saint Lazarus
  • Vessels near Larnaca port
    Vessels near Larnaca port
  • Larnaca International Airport
    Larnaca International Airport
  • Larnaca Castle interior
    Larnaca Castle interior
  • Building of District Administration Larnaca
    Building of District Administration Larnaca
  • Europe square
    Europe square
  • Pierides Museum
    Pierides Museum
  • Larnaca seafront panorama
    Larnaca seafront panorama
  • Panoramic view from Oroklini Hill towards Larnaca
    Panoramic view from Oroklini Hill towards Larnaca
  • The Armenian Genocide Memorial, unveiled in 2008
    The Armenian Genocide Memorial, unveiled in 2008

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The urban population is the aggregate of the populations of Larnaca, Aradippou, Livadia, Dromolaxia, and Meneou.
  2. ^ /ˈlɑːrnəkə/; Greek: Λάρνακα, romanized: Lárnaka [ˈlarnaka]; Turkish: Larnaka

References

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  1. ^ "ITiCSE 2018". iticse.acm.org. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Cyprus: Larnaca Urban Agglomeration (Municipalities, Communities and Quarters) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Cyprus: Districts, Major Cities & Urban Agglomerations - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Cyprus: Districts, Major Cities & Urban Agglomerations - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  5. ^ "A list of all Cyprus postcodes". cypruspostcodes.eurocyinnovations.com. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Στατιστική Υπηρεσία - Πληθυσμός και Κοινωνικές Συνθήκες - Πληθυσμός - Ανακοινώσεις". www.mof.gov.cy. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  7. ^ "The great number of sarcophagoi (larnakes) found at Larnaca may have given to the modern city its name." Excerpt of wall mounted text at Larnaca District Museum, under the title "Kition: The necropolis"
  8. ^ The Phoenician Period Necropolis of Kition, Volume I Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ "ITiCSE 2018". iticse.acm.org. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  10. ^ "PRIO". www.prio-cyprus-displacement.net. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  11. ^ a b Flourentzos, P. (1996). A Guide to the Larnaca District Museum. Ministry of Communications and Works – Department of Antiquities. p. 18. ISBN 9789963364251.
  12. ^ Road & Tourist Map of Larnaka. SELAS LTD. ISBN 9789963566921.
  13. ^ "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Larnaka Airport". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Station Maceio" (in French). Meteo Climat. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
  15. ^ Οι αδελφοποιήσεις της Λάρνακας. Larnaca Municipality (in Greek). Archived from the original on 8 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  16. ^ "Se llevan a cabo gestiones para realizar hermanamiento entre Lárnaca y Acapulco" (PDF) (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 February 2017.
  17. ^ "Archived copy". www.bratislava-city.sk. Archived from the original on 28 July 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ a b c d e f "Αδελφοποιήσεις – Twinnings" (PDF). Central Union of Municipalities & Communities of Greece. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 August 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  19. ^ "Larnaca - Foreign consulates". EmbassyPages. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
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