Around Larnaca
Description:
Long ago, Noah’s great-grandson founded the city. I invite you on a tour of Larnaca, which was once named Kition in honor of the descendant of the biblical hero Noah.
Lazarus, Jesus’ only friend, was resurrected on the fourth day after his death. After living a long life, he was buried there. His tombstone read, “Lazarus, friend of Christ.”
Above the tomb of the saint in the 9th century, a temple was erected, in which the relics of Lazarus are stored. That's where we go first.
The wooden carved iconostasis was created in the 18th century and is covered with gold. During repairs in 1972, a sarcophagus with the relics of Lazarus was found under the altar. Having prayed to the saint for the health of relatives and friends, we move on.
On the shore of the salt lake there are 4 shrines of the Muslim world - the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke, right above the grave of Umm Haram, the aunt of the Prophet Muhammad.
The stone on the grave was considered healing and crowds of pilgrims came to him in the hope of a miracle. In the 18-19th century, the mosque was turned into a complex that has survived in this form to the present day. But it is not only religious pilgrims who come here. Tourists are attracted here and the salt lake, known for pink flamingos and fantastic landscapes.
We're going to the village of Lefkara. The village is famous for its crafts: lace and silver. Leonardo da Vinci was so impressed with the art of lacemakers that he asked to create a lace on the altar of the cathedral in Milan.
The lace carries traditional Cypriot geometric ornamentation and Venetian technique. And silver? Lace! Only woven not with linen threads, but with silver. The finest filigree work of local masters.
After admiring the lace and silver products, suffering the torments of choice and buying a souvenir for memory, we continue the journey.
The village of Kato Dris is located in the foothills of Troodos, near Lefkara. Traditional houses with blue shutters, wrought-iron grilles and flower pots on the walls are like gingerbread houses.
The village has a museum of folk art and traditional Cypriot life. The village is also famous for its honey. It is interesting to visit the local honey museum. And on one of the streets of the village there is a shop where mother and daughter treat guests with jam created by their imagination. For example, from corn with pepper or pineapple with banana. Delicious.
It's time to wash it down! We go to the winery, where we try wine with an ancient history. The commander, for example, was drunk by the pharaohs, loved by Cleopatra herself, she communed with Jesus. Sultan Selim II said that it was worth capturing Cyprus, if only to drink the Commander. He knew how to do it! It's not for nothing that he was called the Drunken!
So, informatively and tastily, we are completing our journey. Tempted to go on a tour? Sign up!