LARNAKA - PAST AND PRESENT


This free of charge guided tour of Larnaka starts every Wednesday at 10.00 hours from the building of the Cyprus Tourist Organization (CTO) at Plateia Vasileos Pavlou, telephone 24654322. This walk covers the history of Larnaka and its development by focusing on the role that the sea had through the centuries. Visiting workshops and stores and seeing craftsmen at work reflect the activities of the people of Larnaka. The aim is to give an overall idea of the Past and Present of Larnaka. The sweet town atmosphere is felt on the street that everything is happening. 

The walk is highlighted at first with visits at some protected buildings of the colonial period and then follows the Palms Tree Promenade. At Nicolaou Lanitis street the walk turns for the Valsamakis house, which is associated with the Cypriot attempt for joining the Greek revolution in 1821 and continues through Cleanthi Kalogera street where is the old market, workshops etc. From Pavlou Valsamaki Street the guided walk visits the most important Byzantine monument surviving in Cyprus, the Saint Lazarus Church.
 
After a little refreshment or coffee the tour continues through Bekir Pasha Street, Ermou, Armenian Church, Lord Byron and Zenonos Kitieos Streets. Passing in front of the Pierides Museum, several other historical buildings and the shopping area the walk ends where it started, the CTO offices.Museum, several other historical buildings and the shopping area the walk ends where it started, the CTO offices.