The Church of St Lazarus, patron saint of Larnaka, was built in the 9th century by Emperor Leo VI and restored in the 17th century. It is reputed to be one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus. According to Greek Orthodox tradition, after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the saint came to Cyprus and was later consecrated Bishop of Kition by Paul and Barnabas. Visitors can see the tomb of Saint Lazarus under the sanctuary and there is an ecclesiastical museum behind the church. Eight days before the Greek Orthodox Easter, the icon of Saint Lazarus is taken in procession through the streets of Larnaka.
