A historic mosque in Larnaca, right beside the Salt Lake on its western side. The mosque was erected in 1760 and completed by 1817.
Umm Haram
It was built over the tomb of Umm Haram, said to be the sister of the Prophet Mohamed’s foster mother. She is said to have arrived in Cyprus during the Arab raids on the island and to have died shortly after arriving; she was buried where she died. Miracles have long been attributed to her, and thousands of Muslims come to the mosque each year seeking a blessing.
The garden
The mosque sits at the centre of a garden that makes for a genuinely peaceful walk — flowers, trees and the Salt Lake beyond, so that you feel outside the city without having left it.
The mosque falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Antiquities and is kept in good order as part of the island’s history. It remains in use, and there is no entrance fee.
More sightseeing around Larnaca
Larnaca Salt Lake
Four connected lakes covering 2.2 km² beside the airport road — dry and white in summer, and full of flamingos from November.
Saint Lazarus Church
The city’s landmark church, a short walk behind the Foinikoudes seafront.
Stavrovouni Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in the world, on a lone peak above the Larnaca plain — founded, tradition says, by Saint Helena in the 4th century.
Piale Pasha Promenade
Larnaca's first seafront street, running on from Foinikoudes past the fish tavernas — quieter than the palm promenade, and better at sunset.