The modern city of Larnaka is built on the shores of
the Bay of Larnaka in the SE of the island, a few kilometres
to the north of the ancient kingdom of Kition. It is
characterized by low relief as no part of the city has
an elevation of more than 50 metres. It has a population
of 68.800 and ranks third in size among the island's
settlements, after Lefkosia
and Lemesos.
Almost half of the inhabitants of the city are refugees,
mainly from neighbouring Ammochostos district.
Throughout the centuries, Kition had remained one of
Cyprus's main city-states, enjoying periods of prosperity
when trade was flourishing. It is connected with important
milestones in the island's history which include the
liberation of the city from the Persian yoke by the
Athenian General Kimon, and the presence in the city
of Lazarus, the man Jesus Christ brought back from the
dead. The vulnerability of the city to earthquakes,
floods and raids contributed to its decline during the
Middle Ages.
The city of Larnaka is well-known for its picturesque
sea-front which includes rows of palm trees, oi finikoudes,
in the local Greek dialect. Much of the activity is
centred around the city promenade during the major festivals.
The most important of these for the city of Larnaka
is Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood, celebrated
in early summer with a series of cultural events.
For addresses and phone numbers of:
Larnaka hotels and other accommodation
Larnaka restaurants
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