Archive for May, 2010

It’s a reality that only a few people do know that Larnaca, one of most potential cities in the realm of Cyprus, notable island in the eastern Mediterranean, is known for a great number of this at the same time. We must affirm that present-day Larnaca, located on the southern coast of Cyprus, is the second largest commercial port in the realm of Cyprus, and happens to be an important tourist resort as well. You may not believe but in reality Cyprus  is one of the most religious countries in the realm of European Union and is, at the moment, under the aegis of both Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriots, adherents of Sunni Islam, at the same time.

Larnaca, owing to all these, consists of edifices related to these two religions. While on one hand it has the ruins of Ancient Kitium, dating back to 13th century B.C. and underground chapel of Ayia Phaneromeni, on the other hand it has Hala Sultan Tekke containing tomb of Umm Haram, the foster mother of Prophet Mohammed.

Nevertheless, Larnaca has other innate aspects too.

Far-famed aspects of Larnaca

• Arts – Larnaca does contain a theatre along with an art gallery and both are run by the local Municipality. The city is also home to the awe-inspiring Pieridis Museum of Antiquities, established by Demetrios Pieridis. Larnaca, apart from all these, is known to comprise two art schools, the Alexander College, having specialization in design subjects, Cyprus College of Art focusing on fine art. You can find Intercollege in Larnaca also.

• Music – The city has a Municipal Band of more than 60 musicians and is capable in all families of musical instruments. Larnaca Municipal Band, all at once, does bring forth an extensive repertoire of music, ranging from marching-parade music to Latin, and from Greek favorites to rock and roll.

Considered as one of most prospective cities in the realm of Cyprus, notable island in the eastern Mediterranean, the fame of Larnaca is increasing by leaps and bounds. The city of Larnaca is located on the southern coast of Cyprus, the second largest commercial port in the realm of Cyprus, and happens to be an important tourist resort as well.

There are lots of attractions in Larnaca too. In accordance with historians, Cyprus happens to be one of the most religious countries in the realm of European Union and is, at the moment, under the aegis of both Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriots, adherents of Sunni Islam, all at once. The historians are found to claim also that Larnaca has been one of the best witnesses of the struggle between these two commendable concepts. As a result, Larnaca must contain an assortment of edifices related to these two religions. Is it so? Let’s see!

Major attractions in Larnaca

• Without a doubt, the foremost attraction in Larnaca happens to be the ruins of Ancient Kitium. This is nothing else save for the earliest architectural remains and as indicated by historians, it does date back to the 13th century B.C. It must be stated that the area was rebuilt under the auspices of Achaean Greeks. You can still come across remains of the Cyclopean Walls, consisting of massive blocks along with the complex of five temples.

• Marble Bust of Zeno, standing at the crossings close to the American Academy, deserves special mentions. Zeno, if the history is taken into account, was born in Kition (ancient Larnaca) and it was in 334 BC. He was responsible for establishing the globally acclaimed Stoic school of philosophy.

• Never forget to make a visit to the underground chapel of Ayia Phaneromeni, located amongst monument of Zeno and Salt Lake on the right. The underground chapel is by and large a rock cavern with two chambers and probably dates back to Phoenician times. What is most striking, this place is known for a range of magical properties.

• Gear up to visit Hala Sultan Tekke containing tomb of Umm Haram, the foster mother of Prophet Mohammed. As per scores of Muslim historical accounts, Umm Haram cashed in her chips here in 647 A.D.

It is generally said whoever has heard of Larnaca has heard of Cyprus as well. Are you one of such listeners?  Even if you are, there is nothing to wonder. There are obvious reasons behind the same. The city of Larnaca is located on the southern coast of Cyprus, the second largest commercial port in the realm of Cyprus, and happens to be an important tourist resort as well. Keep in mind that Cyprus happens to be a notable island in the eastern Mediterranean.

Is this all? To the north of Larnaca the oil refinery of Cyprus is located. However, at the moment it is nothing except a storage facility and this has taken place since the refinery was sold in the year 2008. You can get the Larnaca International Airport to the south of the city landscape. Larnaca, with the exception of the aforesaid factors, is also known for its pleasing seafront. These include rows of palm trees and this has helped the city to earn an international recognition beyond doubt. Keep in mind that Larnaca Marina happens to be one of the four prime entry points to Cyprus by sea.

Facts regarding origin of Larnaca

Phoenicians were mainly responsible for the onset of Larnaca and this fact has been corroborated by copious numbers of studies thus far. What is the colloquial name of Larnaca then? There must be something! Well, it is informally called “Skala” and this does mean “ladder” or “landing stage”, relating to the town’s position in history in the form of a significant port.

On the word of historians Cyprus is one of the most religious countries in the realm of European Union and is under the aegis of both Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus and Turkish Cypriots, adherents of Sunni Islam, all at once. They do also claim Larnaca has been one of the best witnesses of the struggle between these two commendable concepts.