Church of Agios Lazaros

The Church of Agios Lazaros, also known as the Church of Ayios Lazaros, is a Byzantine structure erected over the purported grave of Saint Lazarus in the late 9th and early 10th century AD. Saint Lazarus, according to Orthodox belief, escaped Judea to Cyprus following Jesus' resurrection. Paul and Barnabas ordained him as a bishop.

During the Ottoman colonization of Cyprus, the Church of Agios Lazaros was used as a mosque, although it has since been converted back to a church. It's been damaged throughout the years, including a terrible fire in 1970, but it's been renovated several times.

The temple's construction was finished by the beginning of the 10th century. For Byzantine churches, it features a characteristic cross-domed form with three naves. Three domes were built above it under the Turkish administration, but they were demolished. Despite this, the gold-covered iconostasis within the church has been saved until date (2018) and is a beautiful example of baroque woodcarving. The Tomb of St. Lazarus is located under the sanctuary of the church and is open to the public, while the Byzantine Museum is located close to the church and has valuable religious icons, items, and heirlooms.

The Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca has enormous historical and theological significance. Thousands of people visit this Holy site each year to worship. On Lazarus Saturday, which is observed by all Christians, a large crowd gathers here.

Address: Ayiou Lazarou, Larnaca, Cyprus.