The Impressive Church of St Lazarus, Larnaca (Cyprus)

The Church of St Lazarus (Larnaca) is…

  • Ancient
  • Impressive
  • A Masterpiece of Byzantine architecture
  • Stone-built

Next to this wonderful church which is a must-see attraction in Larnaca, you will find the Byzantine Museum which exhibits relics, artifacts, and religious icons.

For more information and pictures of St Lazarus Church click on the quick links below…


The church is within walking distance from Finikoudes.

So, if you are in the Finikoudes area, or in the city centre of Larnaca, you might want to visit this wonderful, ancient church.

Within minutes you can be there soaking up the atmosphere in awe of this historically important site!

Quick links:


About the Church of St Lazarus (Larnaca, Cyprus)

The Location

The impressive stone-built Church of Saint Lazarus of Bethany is a short walk from the Finikoudes area in Larnaca. It’s located in St Lazarus Square in the centre of Larnaca.


Historical Background

It’s believed that Saint Lazarus, who was resurrected by Jesus Christ, came to have lived in Larnaca (then Kition) after fleeing persecution in Judea. He became the first Bishop of Kition (now Larnaca) and was buried in Larnaca after his second death.

This beautiful church was built in the late 9th century by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI. The church was built over the tomb of Saint Lazarus.

The Saint Lazarus Church was later restored and modified during the Venetian, Ottoman empires.


Architecture, Features, and Religious Significance

The church was constructed in a traditional Byzantine Basilica style, with domes and thick stone walls.

The carved wooden iconostasis (altar screen) is magnificent, and dates back to the 18th century. It’s a wonderful example of Baroque-style woodwork!

The three imposing domes of this Orthodox Basilica Church and the original bell tower were destroyed, probably in the first years of Ottoman rule (1571 AD), when the church was turned into a mosque.

In 1589, the Ottomans sold it back to the Orthodox, probably because of its Christian cemetery. For the next two hundred years it was used for both Orthodox and Catholic services. The porch bears traces of Greek, Latin, and French inscriptions.

In 1857, after the Ottoman authorities again allowed Cypriot churches to have bell towers, the church's belfry was rebuilt in a Latinate style.

If you wish to enter the tomb of St Lazarus you have to enter through the church. The crypt contains the tomb and you can view it via a staircase near the altar.

The beautiful icons and frescoes, of which some of them date back centuries, make the church even more beautiful inside.

Also, inside the church you will find part of Saint Lazarus’ relics, which were discovered in the church in the 1970s and are now displayed in a silver reliquary.


A Place of Worship

Please note that the church is a place of worship…of reflection and prayer. Therefore, please dress modestly! Maintain the peace and tranquility, also make sure to cover your shoulders and knees at all times.


The Best Time to Visit

You can visit early in the morning, or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience.

Overall, the Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca is an impressive site that you should definitely include in your holiday, if you are visiting beautiful Larnaca…it’s an experience you will never forget!

Besides…you don’t have to be religious to enter the church or even visit the tomb of Saint Lazarus. All you have to do is be respectful, especially during the time of service!


Pictures of the Church of St Lazarus (Larnaca, Cyprus)

Saint Lazarus of Bethany Church, Larnaca, CyprusSaint Lazarus of Bethany Church, Larnaca, Cyprus
Church of St Lazarus of Bethany, Larnaca, CyprusChurch of St Lazarus of Bethany, Larnaca, Cyprus
Saint Lazarus Church, Larnaca, CyprusSaint Lazarus Church, Larnaca, Cyprus
The Square of St Lazarus, Larnaca, CyprusThe Square of St Lazarus, Larnaca, Cyprus
Inside the Church of St Lazarus, Larnaca, CyprusInside the Church of St Lazarus, Larnaca, Cyprus
Inside Saint Lazarus Church in LarnacaInside Saint Lazarus Church in Larnaca
Inside the Church of St Lazarus: Saint Panteleimon IconInside the Church of St Lazarus: Saint Panteleimon Icon
Walking Towards the Tomb of St Lazarus, Larnaca, CyprusWalking Towards the Tomb of St Lazarus, Larnaca, Cyprus
The Tomb of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca, CyprusThe Tomb of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca, Cyprus
Inside the Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca: Relics (Bones and Skull)Inside the Church of Saint Lazarus, Larnaca: Relics (Bones and Skull)
Outside the Church of St LazarusOutside the Church of St Lazarus
Outside the Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca, CyprusOutside the Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca, Cyprus
St Lazarus Church (Larnaca, Cyprus): Wonderful Architecture (Bell Tower)St Lazarus Church (Larnaca, Cyprus): Wonderful Architecture (Bell Tower)

…So, that wraps up our look at the Church of St Lazarus (Larnaca, Cyprus). There’s so much history on our island, we know you’ll have a great time here!!

Maybe we’ll bump into you while we’re out and about in Larnaca, look out for us as you walk around and don’t forget to say Hi!! :-)

Enjoy exploring…!! :-)