Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaka, Cyprus
The church of St. Lazarus dates back to the 9th century. According to tradition, during the Arab rule, starting in 649 AD, the tomb of St. Lazarus was lost and forgotten, only to be found more than two centuries later, in 890, when a tomb with the inscription "Lazarus" was discovered.
The remains were transferred to Constantinople but, during the 4th crusade, they were pillaged and taken to Marseille.
To reward Larnaka, for transferring the remains to Constantinople, Emperor Leo VI of Byzantium ordered a church to be built over the necropolis were the reputed (second) tomb of St. Lazarus was located.
According to Christian Orthodox tradition, St. Lazarus fled to Cyprus, after his resurrection, due to threats made on his life. Later St. Paul and St. Barnabas named him bishop of Kition and he is said to have lived 30 more years.
During renovation in the 1970s, human remains were discovered in a marble sarcophagus and identified as part of St. Lazarus relics.
Opening hours:
1 Mar.-31 Oct.:
Daily: 08:00-18:30
Sunday 06:30 - 12:30, 15:30-18:30
1 Nov.-29 Feb.:
Daily: 08:00-12:30, 14:30-17:30
Sunday 06:30 - 12:30, 15:30-17:30
Entrance free.
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