Larnaca

On May 6, 1191, during the Third Crusade, King Richard I of England, known as Richard the Lionheart, captured Cyprus. He seized the island from the Byzantine ruler Isaac Komnenos. This event established English control over Cyprus, which lasted until Richard sold the island, and it marked a significant moment in the history of the Crusades and the history of Cyprus as a strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Church of Saint Lazarus was constructed in the late 9th century during the Byzantine period, around the year 900 AD. It is one of the most significant religious buildings in Larnaca, built over the reputed site of the tomb of Saint Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. The church is a remarkable example of Byzantine architecture and is central to the religious and cultural heritage of Larnaca.

In 1570-1571, the Ottoman Empire conquered Cyprus, integrating it into its empire for over three centuries. Larnaca, being a significant port city, played a crucial role in the Ottoman administration and trade during this period. The Ottoman conquest marked the beginning of a new era, with administrative, cultural, and demographic changes on the island, affecting Larnaca's development and cultural heritage.

Hala Sultan Tekke is a mosque and Muslim mausoleum built in 1730 and located near the Larnaca Salt Lake. It is considered one of the holiest sites in Islam and is dedicated to Umm Haram, a female companion of the Prophet Muhammad, who is said to be buried there. The site is an important part of Larnaca's religious heritage, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year.

In 1879, Larnaca was officially declared a municipality under British rule. This marked a new era in its local governance, as Larnaca was among the first municipalities established in Cyprus. The formation of the municipality paved the way for modern administrative structures in Larnaca and contributed to the city's urban planning and development in the subsequent years.

In 1881, the ancient city-kingdom of Kition, located in today's Larnaca region, was discovered. Excavations revealed important antiquities including remains of temples and evidence of significant trade significance in antiquity. Kition was an ancient Phoenician and later Greek city-kingdom and provides important archaeological insights into the early urbanization in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Larnaca International Airport officially opened to the public on February 10, 1973. It was built to replace Nicosia International Airport, which became inaccessible after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The airport quickly became the main gateway to the island, helping to boost Larnaca's economy and development through increased tourism and international travel.

On July 20, 1974, Turkey launched an invasion of Cyprus following a coup d'état by the Greek military junta in Cyprus. This event led to significant changes in Cyprus, including the displacement of people from Larnaca, which was initially occupied but later returned to the Greek Cypriots. The invasion was a significant factor in the modern history of Cyprus, resulting in a divided island and ongoing political tensions.

The Larnaca Salt Lake Park was officially opened to the public in October 1996. The park surrounds the famous salt lake, which is a vital natural habitat and stopover for thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos. The creation of the park was an environmental conservation initiative to protect this important ecosystem while also facilitating educational and recreational activities for locals and tourists.

The new terminal at Larnaca International Airport was inaugurated on November 17, 2008. The modern terminal was part of a major upgrade project to handle increasing passenger traffic, featuring enhanced facilities and services. This development greatly improved the capacity and infrastructure of the airport, making it a crucial hub in the Eastern Mediterranean region.