The Holy Church of Saint Lazarus (Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Λαζάρου), located in the heart of Larnaca, is one of the most important and revered spiritual sites in Cyprus. This magnificent stone church is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and is built over the reputed second tomb of Saint Lazarus of Bethany—the man whom, according to the New Testament, Jesus resurrected from the dead. Tradition holds that after his resurrection, Lazarus fled to Cyprus and became the first Bishop of Kition (ancient Larnaca). The church is not just an architectural masterpiece but a place of deep historical and religious significance, housing the sacred relics of the saint and serving as a major center for Orthodox pilgrimage.

Name and Address

• Name: The Holy Church of Saint Lazarus (Agios Lazaros).
• Address: Plateia Agiou Lazarou (Saint Lazarus Square), Larnaca, Cyprus.

How to Get There

Situated in the center of Larnaca’s old town, the church is very easy to find and access.

• By Foot (Recommended): The church and its surrounding square are a focal point of the old town. It is a short and pleasant 5-10 minute walk from the main Foinikoude’s promenade and Larnaca’s medieval fort.
• By Bus: Most city bus routes have stops in the central Larnaca area, from which the church is a short walk.
• By Car: While you can drive into the old town, the streets immediately around the church square are narrow and often pedestrianized. It is best to park in a nearby municipal lot and walk.
• Visitor Tip: The church is an active place of worship. Admission is free, but remember to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees. A visit can be combined with exploring the charming surrounding streets, which are filled with artisan shops and cafes.

Landscape and Architecture

The architecture of the church is a magnificent example of Byzantine craftsmanship, set within a beautiful and historic town square.

• Byzantine Architecture: The church was built in the late 9th century by the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI. It is a complex, multi-domed stone structure with a three-aisled layout, reflecting classic Byzantine ecclesiastical design. The beautiful, open bell tower is a later, 17th-century addition.
• The Interior: The inside of the church is breathtaking. It is famous for its magnificent, intricately carved wooden iconostasis, which is covered in gold leaf and holds numerous precious icons. The atmosphere is serene and deeply spiritual, with the scent of incense and the soft glow of candles and chandeliers.
• The Tomb of Saint Lazarus: The most sacred part of the church is the crypt, which is accessible via a set of stairs near the altar. Here, visitors can see the empty marble sarcophagus where the relics of Saint Lazarus were discovered. The sarcophagus bears the inscription “Lazarus, four days dead, friend of Christ.”
• The Square: The church is set in a beautiful, stone-paved square (Plateia Agiou Lazarou), surrounded by cafes and shops housed in restored traditional buildings. This creates a vibrant yet respectful atmosphere around the sacred site.

What Makes It Famous

The Church of Saint Lazarus is famous for its direct and profound connection to a major figure from the New Testament.

• The Second Tomb of Saint Lazarus: Its supreme claim to fame is that it is built over the tomb where Saint Lazarus was buried for the second time, after serving as the Bishop of Kition for over 30 years. The discovery of his relics here in 890 AD prompted the Byzantine emperor to construct the magnificent church.
• A Masterpiece of Byzantine Art: The church is renowned as one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus. Its incredible gold-leaf iconostasis is a masterpiece of 18th-century woodcarving.
• A Major Pilgrimage Site: As the resting place of a saint who was a personal friend of Jesus, the church is a major pilgrimage destination for Orthodox Christians from around the world.
• The Story of the Relics: The history of the saint’s relics adds to its fame. After their discovery, they were transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo VI. Later, during the Fourth Crusade, they were looted and taken to Marseille, which is why the tomb in Larnaca is now empty.

Differences from Other Wonders

The Church of Saint Lazarus offers a unique spiritual experience that is distinct from other major religious sites in Cyprus.

• A Tomb of a New Testament Saint vs. Monastic Sanctuaries: While monasteries like Kykkos are famous for housing miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary, the Church of Saint Lazarus is unique in that it is built directly over the tomb of a specific, named saint who is a major figure in the Gospels. Its significance is tied to a person, not just an object.
• Byzantine Grandeur vs. Rural Simplicity: The church is a grand, multi-domed Byzantine basilica. This is a very different architectural style from the smaller, often rustic Painted Churches of the Troodos Mountains, which are famous for their interior frescoes but have much simpler exteriors.
• An Urban Cathedral vs. a Fortified Monastery: Unlike the fortified, castle-like monasteries of the mountains, Saint Lazarus is a grand urban church, the spiritual heart of its city. Its architecture is designed for public worship and celebration, not for monastic seclusion or defense.
• A Direct Link to the Life of Christ: The connection to Lazarus—a man who was a close friend of Jesus and the subject of one of his most famous miracles—gives the church a direct and personal link to the life of Christ that is unique among the holy sites of Cyprus.