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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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| name = Larnaca
| name = Larnaca
| native_name = {{hlist|{{native name|el|Λάρνακα|italics=no}}|{{native name|tr|Larnaka}}}}
| native_name = {{hlist|{{native name|el|Λάρνακα|italics=no}}|{{native name|tr|Larnaka}}}}
| settlement_type = [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus|City]]
| settlement_type = [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus|City]] and [[List of cities, towns and villages in Cyprus|municipality]]
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| total_width = 300
| total_width = 300
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| postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in Cyprus|Post code]]
| 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>
| 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 = +357 24
| area_code = 24
| website = {{URL|http://www.larnaka.org.cy/}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.larnaka.org.cy/}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
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}}
}}


'''Larnaca''' (pronounced {{IPAc-en|'|l|ɑː|r|n|ə|k|ə}}) ({{lang-el|Λάρνακα|Lárnaka}} {{IPA-el|ˈlarnaka|}}; {{lang-tr|Larnaka}}) is a city on the south east coast of [[Cyprus]] and the capital of the [[Larnaca District|district of the same name]]. It is the third-largest city in the country, after [[Nicosia]] and [[Limassol]], with a metro population of 144,200 in 2015.<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''' (pronounced {{IPAc-en|'|l|ɑː|r|n|ə|k|ə}}) ({{lang-el|Λάρνακα|Lárnaka}} {{IPA-el|ˈlarnaka|}}; {{lang-tr|Larnaka}}) is a city on the south east coast of [[Cyprus]] and the capital of the [[Larnaca District|district of the same name]]. It is the third-largest city in the country, after [[Nicosia]] and [[Limassol]], with a district population of 144,200 in 2015.<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 is known for its palm-tree seafront also called Finikoudes (Greek: Φινικούδες) as well as the [[Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca|Church of Saint Lazarus]], [[Hala Sultan Tekke]], [[Kamares Aqueduct]], and [[Larnaca Castle]]. It is built on the ruins of ancient [[Kition|Citium]], which was the birthplace of [[stoicism|Stoic]] philosopher [[Zeno of Citium|Zeno]]. Larnaca is home to the country's primary airport, [[Larnaca International Airport]]. It also has a seaport and a marina.
Larnaca is known for its palm-tree seafront also called Finikoudes (Greek: Φινικούδες) as well as the [[Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca|Church of Saint Lazarus]], [[Hala Sultan Tekke]], [[Kamares Aqueduct]], and [[Larnaca Castle]]. It is built on the ruins of ancient [[Kition|Citium]], which was the birthplace of [[stoicism|Stoic]] philosopher [[Zeno of Citium|Zeno]]. Larnaca is home to the country's primary airport, [[Larnaca International Airport]]. It also has a seaport and a marina.
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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 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>


==History==
== History ==
[[File:Street in Larnaca, Cyprus. Wellcome L0056669.jpg|thumb|Street in Larnaca in 1878]]
[[File:Street in Larnaca, Cyprus. Wellcome L0056669.jpg|thumb|left|Street in Larnaca in 1878]]
[[File:STEVENSON(1880) p046 BAZAAR AT LARNACA.jpg|thumb|1880 drawing of market in Larnaca]]
[[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.<ref>According to the text on the only plaque at the Kathari site ({{As of|2013|lc=y}}).</ref> New cultural elements appearing between 1200 BC and 1000 BC (personal objects, pottery, new architectural forms and ideas) are interpreted as indications of significant political changes and the arrival of the [[Achaeans (tribe)|Achaeans]], the first Greek colonists of Kition.<ref>Excerpt of text on the only plaque at the Kathari site ({{As of|2013|lc=y}}).</ref> Around the same time, [[Phoenicians]] settled the area.
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.
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.
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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.
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.


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=978-9963-36-425-1 |page=18}}</ref> earthquakes hit the city in 76 AD and the year after.
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.


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]].)
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]].


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=978-9963-566-92-1}}</ref>—and [[Skala (neighborhood in Larnaca)|its neighborhood]].
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]].

The [[Bekir Pasha Aqueduct|Kamares aqueduct]] was built in 1747—bringing water to the city from a source around {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=off|0}} from the city.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}


==Geography==
==Geography==
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|Mar record high C = 30.3
|Mar record high C = 30.3
|Apr record high C = 34.1
|Apr record high C = 34.1
|May record high C = 38.3
|May record high C = 40.6
|Jun record high C = 40.1
|Jun record high C = 41.5
|Jul record high C = 41.1
|Jul record high C = 41.1
|Aug record high C = 40.9
|Aug record high C = 40.9
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|date=December 2010}}
|date=December 2010}}


==Landmarks==
== Promenade ==
{{wide image|Larnaca banner.jpg|900px|Panoramic view of Finikoudes beach}}
{{wide image|Larnaca banner.jpg|900px|Panoramic view of Finikoudes beach}}

⚫
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|Kamares Aqueduct]], and the [[Larnaca Castle|Fort of Larnaca]].


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.
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.


⚫
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.
⚫
===Monuments===

⚫
== Monuments ==
[[File:Lazarus-Kirche, Larnaka (03).jpg|thumb|[[Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca]]]]
[[File:Lazarus-Kirche, Larnaka (03).jpg|thumb|[[Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca]]]]
* A [[Bust (sculpture)|bust]] of [[Cimon|Kimon the Athenian]] stands on the Foinikoudes Promenade, with this quote referring to him on the [[pedestal]]: "Even in death he was victorious" ({{lang-el|"Kαι νεκρός ενίκα"|links=no}}).
* 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" ({{lang-el|"Kαι νεκρός ενίκα"|links=no}}).
* The marble bust of [[Zeno of Citium|Zeno]] stands at the crossroads near the American Academy. Zeno was born in Kition in 334 BC. After studying philosophy in [[Athens]], he founded the famous [[Stoicism|Stoic]] school of philosophy.
* 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.
* The [[Armenian Genocide Memorial in Larnaca|Armenian Genocide Memorial]] stands on Athenon Avenue.

== Landmarks ==
⚫
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==
==Economy==
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==Culture==
==Culture==

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

===Festivals===
⚫
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|Loukoumades]] restaurants, the festival has been extended to about three weeks, during which the seafront is closed to traffic in the evenings.


===Museums===
===Museums===
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.
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.


===Cuisine===
== Cuisine and seafood ==
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]]).
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]]).

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.
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.


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


==International relations==
==International relations==
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* {{flagicon|GEO}} [[Poti]], Georgia (since 1987)
* {{flagicon|GEO}} [[Poti]], Georgia (since 1987)
* {{flagicon|ALB}} [[Sarandë]], Albania (since 1994)
* {{flagicon|ALB}} [[Sarandë]], Albania (since 1994)
* {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Antalya]], Turkey (since 2023)
* {{flagicon|HUN}} [[Szeged]], Hungary (since 1993)
* {{flagicon|HUN}} [[Szeged]], Hungary (since 1993)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tarpon Springs, Florida|Tarpon Springs]], U.S. (since 2009)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tarpon Springs, Florida|Tarpon Springs]], U.S. (since 2009)
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Tianjin]], China (since 2007)
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Tianjin]], China (since 2007)
* {{flagicon|LBN}} [[Tripoli, Lebanon]]{{citation needed|date=April 2014}}
* {{flagicon|ROU}} [[Tulcea]], Romania (since 2003)
* {{flagicon|ROU}} [[Tulcea]], Romania (since 2003)
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Venice]], Italy (since 2010)
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Venice]], Italy (since 2010)
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{{Commons category|Larnaca}}
{{Commons category|Larnaca}}
* [http://www.larnaka.org.cy/ Municipality]
* [http://www.larnaka.org.cy/ Municipality]
* [https://7777rentacar.com/discover-the-top-5-best-restaurants-in-larnaca-cyprus/ Discover the Restaurants in Larnaca]
* [https://www.larnacacarhire.com/discovering-larnaca-historic-city-centre/ Discovering Larnaca Historic City Centre]
*{{Wikivoyage-inline}}
*{{Wikivoyage-inline}}


Revision as of 16:46, 16 August 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
Larnaca is located in Cyprus
Larnaca
Larnaca
Location in Cyprus
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)
Elevation
26 m (85 ft)
Population
 (2015)[1]
 • City and municipality51,468
 • Urban
84,900
 • District
144,200
 The urban population is the aggregate of the populations of Larnaca, Aradippou, Livadia, Dromolaxia, and Meneou
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Post code
6010-6060[2]
Area code24
Patron saintSaint Lazarus (27 April 2024)
Major airport(s)Larnaca International Airport
Websitewww.larnaka.org.cy

Larnaca (pronounced /ˈlɑːrnəkə/) (Greek: Λάρνακα, romanized: Lárnaka [ˈlarnaka]; Turkish: Larnaka) is a city on the south east coast of Cyprus and the capital of the district of the same name. It is the third-largest city in the country, after Nicosia and Limassol, with a district population of 144,200 in 2015.[3]

Larnaca is known for its palm-tree seafront also called Finikoudes (Greek: Φινικούδες) as well as the Church of Saint Lazarus, Hala Sultan Tekke, Kamares Aqueduct, and Larnaca Castle. It is built on the ruins of ancient Citium, which was the birthplace of Stoic philosopher Zeno. Larnaca is home to the country's primary airport, Larnaca International Airport. It also has a seaport and a marina.

Name

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.[4] 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".[5]

History

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[6] 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".[6] 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[7] and its neighborhood.

Geography

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

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[8]
Source 2: Meteo Climat (record highs and lows)[9]

Promenade

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Municipal Wind Orchestra

Local institutions include the Municipal Wind Orchestra.

Sports

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

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

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

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

Transport

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

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 twinned with the following:[10]

Notable residents

  • 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

References

  1. ^ "Population - Place of Residence, 2011". Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT). 17 April 2014. Archived from the original on 16 October 2014.
  2. ^ "A list of all Cyprus postcodes". cypruspostcodes.eurocyinnovations.com. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Στατιστική Υπηρεσία - Πληθυσμός και Κοινωνικές Συνθήκες - Πληθυσμός - Ανακοινώσεις". www.mof.gov.cy. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  4. ^ "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"
  5. ^ The Phoenician Period Necropolis of Kition, Volume I Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ a b Flourentzos, P. (1996). A Guide to the Larnaca District Museum. Ministry of Communications and Works – Department of Antiquities. p. 18. ISBN 9789963364251.
  7. ^ Road & Tourist Map of Larnaka. SELAS LTD. ISBN 9789963566921.
  8. ^ "World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Larnaka Airport". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  9. ^ "Station Maceio" (in French). Meteo Climat. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
  10. ^ Οι αδελφοποιήσεις της Λάρνακας. Larnaca Municipality (in Greek). Archived from the original on 8 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  11. ^ "Se llevan a cabo gestiones para realizar hermanamiento entre Lárnaca y Acapulco" (PDF) (in Spanish). Retrieved 2 February 2017.
  12. ^ "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)
  13. ^ 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.
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